ABOUT 120 shoppers queued to be the first to have a look around Wickford’s new discount store.

The "eagerly anticipated” Poundland shop finally flung open its doors in High Street, Wickford, on Friday morning at 9am.

The first 100 shoppers, who had gathered outside from 8.30am, waited in temperatures just two degrees above freezing to be awarded a £5 voucher for being the first in.

Area refurbishment manager Andrew Bennett, who helped cut the ribbon, said staff are “over the moon’” with the opening.

He said: “Great value for money is just what people want.

“Throughout the morning there has been at least 30 people queued up outside the door.”

The store has created six new jobs. And with the discount giant lined up to refurbish another six stores throughout Essex, Mr Bennett said another 30 staff are on standby.

Poundland took over its rival 99p Store for £55 million last year.

The opening in Wickford and last week’s opening in Canvey brings Poundland’s portfolio of UK stores to over 600, a step closer to its goal of 1,000 goal.

It will be a positive addition to the town, Mr Bennett insisted.

He added: “People will come into town to buy our discounted brands. “More people in the town will be good for Wickford as a whole and other shops will benefit.”