THE new M&S Simply Food Prescot opened its doors to customers for the first time today, bringing 57 new jobs to the area. The 8,500 sq ft Simply Food store offers customers more than 4,500 food and drink lines and a selection of flowers, cards and gift wrap.

It also features a 50-seat M&S Café and in-store bakery offering a range of speciality breads, pastries and cakes.

As part of M&S’ sustainability programme, Plan A, the store has committed to working with the local area through charity and partnerships for the good of the community.

Willowbrook Hospice is the store's Charity of the Year.

Stuart Williams, store manager, said: “It’s great to finally welcome customers into the store and show them what we have been working on for the past few months."

Pat Worrall, 65 from St Helens, was the first customer through the doors at M&S Simply Food Prescot. She said: " It looks fantastic and I'm sure I'll be visiting the store very regularly with it being just around the corner."

The store will also offer the Shop Your Way service, giving customers the choice of ordering from M&S.com in-store or online, with the benefit of free next day in-store delivery and collection.