A morning of festivities took place in Saffron Walden to celebrate the opening of a new Robert Dyas store.
The store opened in Hill Street on Saturday, February 11, heralded by the Saffron Walden Town Band.
Soprano and classical crossover artist Nancy May also performed, and an appearance by special guest, actor and local celebrity Cliff Parisi - known for his role in Call the Midwife -added to the party atmosphere.
The event was attended by Uttlesford District Council leader Cllr Petrina Lees, the Mayor and Mayoress of Saffron Walden James and Sheila de Vries, and Jacqui Portway, chair of the Saffron Walden Initiative.
In addition to Saturday's celebration, Robert Dyas owner and chairman Theo Paphitis kick-started the celebrations when he visited the store on Thursday, February 9.
Theo Paphitis, known for his appearances on Dragon's Den, said: "I’m delighted that Robert Dyas is a part of the Saffron Walden community, offering customers the chance to access thousands of fantastic home and garden products at great prices and, importantly, at their convenience.
"It is the perfect time to add to the Robert Dyas portfolio, of nearly 100 stores across the south of the UK."
The new store is located in the centre of town, in a site previously occupied by Laura Ashley, is Trevax House at 10 Hill Street. It is situated across the road from Waitrose and Fairycroft Road car park.
READ MORE
- Saffron Walden Golf Club donates £25,000 to charity
- Stortford and Stansted rail link 'needs improvement'
Robert Dyas sells items for homes and gardens, from kitchen electricals and cleaning appliances to gardening equipment, DIY tools and ironmongery.
Customers can also shop from Robert Dyas online, and can make use of various services in-store. These include transferring money anywhere in the world with Western Union, getting personalised house number plates created, sending packages and documents worldwide from the DHL service point, and having keys cut.
Robert Dyas was founded as a company in 1872, and was bought by entrepreneur Theo Paphitis in 2012.
This year the company is celebrating 150 years on the British high street, and said that it aims to "invest in the future" by opening new stores and further expanding its online offering.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here