QUEUES of Worcester shoppers formed in the early hours for the opening of a new pound shop.

Poundstore was officially opened by Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Steve Mackay in St Martin’s Quarter next to Costa Coffee at 10am this morning.

A queue of excited shoppers began building outside the shop at 5am, all hoping to get their hands on £3,000 worth of special offers which included a black curved fireplace, worth more than £200, and a double faux leather bed, worth £99 - sold for a £1.

Before the opening, representatives of the New Hope Worcester charity took part in a special trolley dash around the store - based at the old Poundland premises.

Volunteers had 100 seconds to fill their trolley and managed to win £53 of products for the Wells Road-based charity which helps disabled children.

A sound system was set up with compere Ian Gee entertaining the crowds with competitions and games.

Before cutting the ribbon and a balloon release to mark the opening, Cllr Mackay spoke to the crowds saying: "There has been a lot of hard work gone on this store - it is really good news for Worcester."

Mr Gee said: "Poundstore are opening three stores a week at the moment - but Worcester's is the biggest launch I have seen so far."

Kamil Osman, area manager, added: "This is our 18th store to open in just five weeks.

"There has been good support - we had 100 people in the queue.

"It is great to come to Worcester, and we have already had good feedback from customers."