Christine Walker had some special additions to her weekly shop - a complimentary bottle of Champagne and some flowers.

The 62-year-old from Newlaithes Avenue, Morton, Carlisle, was making her regular visit to the Marks & Spencer Simply Food store in Kingstown when she was presented with the gifts by store manager Ben Morris and section manager Charlotte Dickinson.

She was the first customer through the door after 10am today as it celebrated the first anniversary of its opening.

Mrs Walker, who is retired, was delighted with the gifts.

She said: "I am shocked. I come here every Thursday to do my shopping and I am actually early today."

When Mrs Walker explained that this earlier-than-normal visit was because she needed to pay a visit to her sister Maureen Macneil, who is in hospital in Newcastle, Mr Morris went back into the shop and came out with another bouquet to be given as a gift.

Mrs Walker added: "I have been coming here very week since it opened, it is a fantastic store. It is so easy parking here, it saves you parking in town."

The store, in Kingstown Road, employs about 70 people. Miss Dickinson explained that most of these staff were newcomers to the retail giant this outlet opened in 2016.

Since it opened there have been 500,000 shopping visits to the store, which Mr Morris said was an impressive figure.

"It has been a fantastic first year," he added.

"We are looking to continue that after a fantastic start to this year. Christmas is going to be big one for us and we are looking to grow after the success of last year."

Mr Morris also explained that presenting the Champagne and flowers was the store's way of celebrating its customers.

Staff were treated to a buffet and will also be attending a celebration evening in The Halston Aparthotel, Warwick Road, later this month.