A spanking new M&S is opening in Ashtead High Street, with the occasion to be marked with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The new store will open on February 21, and local residents are invited to come along to the launch at 10am.

The new supermarket is also providing employment for its 60-member strong team.

Store manager Julie Day said: “The team brings a wealth of M&S experience to the new store - one colleague, Joanne Weaver, has worked with the company for 28 years and I’ve been with M&S for 20 years.

“Ashtead has a real community feel and we’re delighted to be located in the centre of town.

“At M&S, our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we can’t wait for opening day when we can welcome them into the store and start getting to know them properly.”

The new store will have the newest additions to its Eat Well health range, featuring a collection of Asian-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes.

It will also have gift ideas for Mother’s Day and Easter celebrations, not to mention hot cross buns in two new experimental flavours - blueberry and salted caramel and chocolate.

The store will be located in 53-57 The Street, Ashtead, and opening hours will be from 8am – 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sundays.