A NEW travel agency has opened its doors on St Helens high street, creating six jobs.

Hays Travel has opened its 30th branch on Church Street, which includes a Bureau de Change.

The Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Cllr Pat Ireland and Lynn Glover, joined for St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer, as VIP guests for the official opening.

Hays Travel St Helens manager Gemma Bate, of Billinge, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant. People have been coming in and telling us how pleased they are that we have opened up and to see such a nice, clean, modern store opening in the town.

"We have already been really busy with booking holidays for people which has given us the best possible starting boost.

“We were very grateful to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress and our local MP to come and celebrate our official opening.

"It was lovely to have their support and they were also so positive about us opening in the town.

“I am born and bred here so it has been a really special store opening for me and I am proud to be the manager here.”

The Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Ireland, added: “Myself and the Mayoress were delighted to be asked to open the new venture of Hays Travel in Church Street.

“The staff are extremely helpful and knowledgeable about their travel.

"It is a great addition to our town centre and I wish them every success in the future".

MP Marie Rimmer, echoed this sentiment, adding: “It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of the new Hays Travel store in the town centre and hear for myself what a professional, new travel firm has joined the St Helens community.

“It’s fantastic to see investment in the town from a firm like Hays Travel who I know were keen to get a presence on the St Helens high street because of its strong sense of community.

"I am not surprised at all to hear they have had a very warm welcome and I join everyone in wishing them every success in the coming months.”