A discount store is welcoming customers to its latest Kent branch today (June 6).

B&M opened in the former Homebase unit on Horsted Retail Park, in Maidstone Road, Chatham, just before 8am.

A handful of eager shoppers were seen waiting outside the new store from 7am, keen for a first look.

Among them was Karen Power, who was first in the queue.

She said: “I am known as the B&M Queen. Everyone always sees my Facebook statuses saying I am at the one in Chatham.

“I did not think I would be first in the queue. I have walked down here, but I may not be walking back.”

Also one of the first through the doors was Stephanie Goodrum, who said: “I went to the card shop across the road and I was waiting for Aldi to open, so I thought I might as well and see if I can get some bargains.”

Fellow shopper Craig Arms, who was waiting for the store’s opening since 7.15am, said: “I did not think I would be one of the first here. I thought it would be busier. It will probably pick up after the school run.

“Later this week, I expect it will be a lot busier.

“The only closest store is in town, and that is quite a small one, so this might have more to offer.”

Meanwhile, Teresa Sage and Sonya Cundall travelled from Maidstone for a first glimpse of the store.

Teresa said: “We are here for bargains. We go to all the B&Ms everywhere. If you cannot find what you want in one, it will be at another.”

The store manager said: “We are feeling extremely positive about the creation of more jobs for local people, and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.”

The almost 30,000 sq ft shop, which also boasts a mezzanine sales floor and garden centre, has undergone a huge refurbishment.

Customers will find branded groceries, including food, drink and pet food, health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games and gifts.

The new shop has also created 80 new jobs, and staff were asked to pick a charity for the firm to donate to for their work in the community.

Medway Foodbank was chosen, and team members from the charity officially unveiled the new store today.

The store manager added: “Medway Foodbank really stood out for us, so we wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work that they have done.

“We hope that our donation can help them to continue the great work they do.”

Homebase closed its doors at the retail park on February 22 after the DIY and garden firm fell into administration in November.

B&M then submitted a premises licence application to Medway Council in March, with opening hours of 7am and 11pm, seven days a week, put forward.

The firm also profited from the collapse of discount retailer Wilko, claiming three of their former units in Maidstone, Gillingham and Rainham.

With more than 700 stores across the UK, it will join Aldi, KFC, Pets at Home and JD Gyms on Horsted Retail Park.