Prize giveaways and special offers mark store opening

The first 50 people in the queue when a new home and garden store opens in Newark on Friday will receive prizes.

There will be a star prize for the first person in line when The Range opens at 9am.

Building work has transformed the former B&Q on Beacon Hill Retail Park, Northern Road, into a modern superstore.

Teams have worked round-the-clock to get the store ready.

The Newark branch will provide more than 80 full and part-time jobs and is expected to be a boost to the local economy.

The Mayor of Newark, Mrs Rita Crowe, will perform the opening.

The Range’s mascot, Captain Range, will provide balloons and entertainment.

The celebrations are set to continue over the weekend.

There will be free children’s face-painting by Snazaroo and a craft demonstration by Design Objectives on Saturday.

There will also be a free craft demonstration by Trimcraft on Sunday.

Shoppers are promised great opening offers across all departments until December 10.

There are 16 departments, including DIY, homeware, arts and crafts, and soft furnishings.

There is also a Christmas shop with trees, lights, decorations and toys.

Plymouth-based entrepreneur, Mr Chris Dawson, the owner and founder of The Range, said: “Each store plays an important part in the success of our company and Newark is no exception.

“We are very lucky with the staff we have and I look forward to welcoming the new team members to the company.

“I would like to invite the community of Newark and further afield to join us for the opening and discover the fantastic selection of products that we offer.”

The opening comes at a time of expansion for The Range, which has more than 145 stores across the UK and Ireland.