THE £1.4 million renewal of Marks and Spencers in Bolton was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony by a long serving member of staff.

Barbara Hodgkiss, one of five workers who have notched up more than 30 years service, opened the refurbished store, along with employee Sharon Lomax, who won the privilege by having her name drawn out of a hat.

The ceremony marked the start of a day of celebrations. Customers packed into the store, which was decorated with green and white balloons to enjoy a day-long fashion show, food and wine tasting sessions from Marks and Spencer's range of Christmas products, and fun face painting sessions for children.

Rock FM took up residence for two hours over the lunchtime period, providing pop music to put shoppers in the party mood. A Rock FM van, parked outside, played all the latest hits, attracting customers into the store.

There was also a special competition for the public, where anyone spending more than £50 in the children's wear section had a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the Harry Potter movie.

Regional manager Sara Worrall, said: "The day has been really fabulous and has beaten all our best expectations. We have looked at what our customers have been asking for. The store is a lot more modern, lighter and brighter. We have new women's wear which looks incredible, upgraded fitting rooms and new products."