FANTASTIC! That's the response to Marks & Spencer bringing one of it's high quality Simply Food outlets to the heart of Evesham.

The top High Street store has moved into the 7,000 square feet former Co-op unit in the Riverside Shopping Centre.

Spokeswoman for M&S, Claire Wilks, said: "This is a dedicated food store concept and we are pleased to be able to open one in Evesham.

"We have more than 100 of these stores across the UK at accessible locations.

"There is a complete range of Marks & Spencer food products plus wine and other grocery items."

Mayor of Evesham Frances Smith said: "It's very good news. People have been asking for decades - when will Evesham have a Marks & Spencer?

"This can only be a good thing and will see customers flocking to the Riverside Centre, I am sure."

Evesham Town centre manager Lew Hammond said: "Marks & Spencer moving is a fantastic draw to the town.

"We have seen a proliferation of out-of-town shops, but hopefully M&S will turn the tide and be a magnet for other stores.

"We have worked hard to make the town more attractive to big retailers and will continue to do so.

"Fantastic' was how store manager Anna Goodman summed up Marks & Spencer's first weekend of trading in Evesham in September.

"It has been unbelievable," she said. "We are delighted to be in Evesham and from the comments we have had, the people of Evesham are equally delighted.

"It has been very touching as customers came up and thanked us for moving into the town."

The High Street chain's Simply Food store in the Riverside shopping centre opened in razzmatazz style In September as manager Anna formally cut a ribbon as the John Holmes Trio provided the music.

A crowd of more than 100 had gathered in the run up to the 10am opening and there was champagne and orange juice on offer to early arrivals as well as a food tasting in the store.

One of the main attractions since the opening has been the in-store bakery.