BOLTON'S new multi-million-pound Marks and Spencer store will be opened on Tuesday by soccer legend Nat Lofthouse.

But the grand ceremony is foreshadowed by today's closure of the Market Place M&S store - leaving a large void in the plush shopping complex.

Merchandise that was available at the Market Place is being moved to the revamped Deansgate store where two new floors have been added to the two already there. Only the food hall at Deansgate will be open on Monday so that staff can prepare for the big switch over on the following day.

Nat, the Wanderers president, will officially open the new store at 8.45am with manager Brian Lunn, who will present the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Eric Johnson, with a £500 cheque for his charity fund.

Mr Lunn said: "The countdown has begun to grand opening day and we are confident the new store is going to be a sparkling success."

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