Debenhams opened its new store on Kidderminster’s Weavers Wharf shopping complex today.

The department store has been developed in the historic grade II listed former carpet mill known as Slingfield Mill and has created 59 jobs.

Shoppers flooded through the doors as the ribbon was cut to officially open the store at 9am.

Debenhams has taken prime position in a £60 million redevelopment of the landmark site, which will also be home to a hotel and other retailers.

Around 60 staff worked tirelessly over recent weeks to get the department store ready for its grand opening.

Mayor of Kidderminster Councillor Howard Martin performed the ribbon cutting at the store today.

Store manager Theresa Furnish, 29, said: “Its taken a long time to get everything sorted out but I’m so pleased we are finally open to the public. It is a nice setting for a store and its such a massive development that we hope will really bring something to the area.”

There has been a £500,000 refurbishment of the 1800s building carried out to re-tain its character. Debenhams has signed a 15-year lease wit the owners Hender Global Investors.