A new B&M discount store has opened its doors in south Essex creating 69 jobs.

The store, in The Mall, Grays Shopping Centre, opened its doors at 8am on Saturday, November 30.

The retailer has taken over the 16,642 sqft former Wilko store and has undergone a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment.

The store will offer a wide variety of branded groceries, health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games, and gifts.

The store manager said: "We’re feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store."

The team at B&M chose Thurrock Foodbank to officially unveil the new store.

The foodbank, which was set up in 2012 by nearby churches, has grown from three centres to 10 across the borough, providing help to those in food crisis.

The store manager added: "It was really exciting to welcome customers through the doors; the feedback so far has been fantastic.

"A big thank you to the team at Thurrock Foodbank who helped us open the store; we hope that our donation can help them to continue to do the great work they do."