Shoppers are promised a bumper day of fun and prizes today at the official opening of the new St James shopping and retail complex.

From 11am until 4pm people will be able to enjoy a day full of samples and tasters from retailers from the newly opened park in Dover.

There will also be a host of prizes, with winners chosen at random throughout the day.

St James Facilities Manager, Geoffrey Hobbs-East, said he was looking forward to welcoming shoppers for a super Saturday of fun. “We’ve been planning our grand opening for quite some time and we’re delighted that it is finally here,” he said.

“We’ve got a fantastic mix of some of the biggest names in fashion, food, fitness and film here and it has been brilliant seeing members of the public enjoying what’s on offer.

"Already we’ve welcomed thousands of people to St James and we’ve had some brilliant feedback and we wanted to do something to celebrate what has been a great first few weeks for us.”

The six screen cinema Cineworld was the first unit to open in March, followed by others which include Travelodge, M&S Foodstore, Poundland, Nandos, Superdrug and Next, among others.

People can also visit the centre's Facebook page where they can be in with the chance of winning £100 to spend at a retailer of their choosing at St James.

Mr Hobbs-East added: “Alongside our £100 Facebook competition, we’ve got plenty of prizes lined up from our retailers that visitors can win.

“We’re expecting Saturday to be extremely popular and everyone at St James can’t wait.”

Plus, it’s Dover’s Big Community Fun Day at Pencester Gardens.

The fun kicks off at noon and includes live music, local produce stands and inflatables.