Discount retailer B&M has been given a major boost ahead of its plans to open a huge new store.

The discount retailer has already taken possession of the former Homebase site on Princes Road, Dartford which will welcome its first customers this weekend.

New signage has already been erected and the store is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment inside and out before officially opening its doors at 9am on Saturday.

Anticipation has been building online with customers struggling to contain their excitement.

And now the bargain chain store has been handed a major boost just days ahead of its scheduled opening after being given the green light to stock a wider range of items.

Last week Dartford council granted permission to the retailer for a change of use to "permit the display and sale of a wider range of goods".

It means customers can expect to find a wider variety of branded products including toys, food and drink, pet range, health and beauty, cleaning, DIY and homeware.

The store will also boast its own garden centre, selling a great range of plants and gardening essentials.

Apart from seeking a change in the use of the premises to accommodate the goods which B&M would sell, no other changes to the building were proposed.

After considering its planning application, the council concluded the store would not have a significant adverse impact on the vitality of the town centre or any existing or future investment in centres nearby, such as Bluewater.

It also agreed the creation of more than 80 jobs for local people would offset the closure of both Homebase and Argos in Lowfield Street.

A spokesperson from B&M said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our new store in Dartford and look forward to welcoming customers through its doors.

“It is great that we have been able to bring our store to the area and create even more jobs opportunities for local people.”

The nearest branches are currently located in Gravesend and Strood.

Dartford's new store is located a short journey off the A2, on Princes Road, next to the Volkswagen dealership and Brooklands Lane.