Hobbycraft celebrated the opening of its new store in Southend with a host of crafting activities, product offers and goody bags for the first 100 customers who walked through the doors.

The London Road Retail Park shop officially opened on Wednesday August 10, whilst the grand store opening event took place on Saturday August 13, attended by the Southend mayor Kevin Robinson.

The new Hobbycraft store will offer customers the retailers’ extensive range of crafting products from art, baking, home craft, papercraft, knitting, sewing, kids’ crafts and model making, to accessories for weddings, celebrations and much more.

Echo: Southend mayor Kevin Robinson cuts the ribbon. Photo: Phil Jones Photography Southend mayor Kevin Robinson cuts the ribbon. Photo: Phil Jones Photography

It has also created 14 new jobs in the area.

The store will offer customers a range of experiences and dedicated craft spaces in including craft workshops throughout the year, with prices starting at £5 and can be booked online via Hobbycraft ClassBento.

There is also a custom crafting area as well as a haberdashery area in store.

Echo: The staff inside the new store with Mr Robinson. Photo: Phil Jones PhotographyThe staff inside the new store with Mr Robinson. Photo: Phil Jones Photography

Store manager, Gina Ford comments: "Our new store is packed with crafting materials to suit all ages and abilities, and beginners through to experienced crafters are all welcome to pop into the store and chat to our creative colleagues.

"They’re always happy to share their knowledge, tips and tricks."

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Happy customers inside the new Southend Hobbycraft store. Photos: Phil Jones Photography

Southend Hobbycraft is open 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm on Saturdays and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.