KEEN shoppers queued up outside Eastleigh's Marks and Spencer outlet for a glimpse of Hampshire's newest foodhall.

With 5,782 products to browse through, locals were clamouring at the doors to be the first through the checkouts - and to get a glass of the complimentary Prosecco handed out by duty manager Lee Smith.

Store manager Dylan Chandler congratulated the 58 staff for their hard work over the last twelve weeks in getting the shop ready.

With the "majority" of the new staff local to Eastleigh he added that they were chosen to keep a local feel.

He added: "We are very limited on parking so it's made a massive difference. The amount of local talent has been superb and they can walk or cycle to work which is fantastic."

After cutting the ribbon Mayor of Eastleigh Cllr Maureen Sollit said: "It's brilliant. Portsmouth may have the Queen Elizabeth but we've got a foodhall. It's the best thing to have here.

"We don't need clothes - there are plenty of clothes boutiques in Eastleigh town centre.

"It was a great honour and a big ribbon."

Grace McGuinness, 16, is the shop's youngest employee.

The Barton Peveril student said:"It's my first part time job.

"I wanted to work for a company with good values and to get some good experience.

"I'll probably walk and ride a bike in."

In the coming months the shops local charity partner will be chosen.