SHOPPERS in Yate have welcomed the opening of a new discount store in the town.

Poundland opened its doors on Thursday last week and on Saturday a family fun day was held to mark the arrival of the single price budget retailer in Yate Shopping Centre.

Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher officially opened the shop in the former Peacocks premises and proved popular with fans who queued to have their photograph taken with the actor, who plays Andy Sugden in the soap.

Yate Shopping Centre manager Andrew Lowrey said: "The opening of Poundland demonstrates the popularity of the centre to both retailers and shoppers."

He said the opening marked the start of an exciting summer for the centre.

"Poundland is one in a series of new features coming to the centre over the summer with the Wetherspoon public house scheduled to open at the end of the month and further announcements through the summer," added Mr Lowrey.

"Importantly, as Europe’s biggest single price discount retailer, Poundland will attract shoppers into the heart of the shopping centre giving other shops valuable exposure and additional footfall."

The store’s opening has created 30 new jobs, the same number lost when Peacocks closed in February.