Welcome Break A1 services near Newark special opening event to feature Red Bull Racing F1 car

The new Welcome Break services in Fernwood, just off the A1, is now officially open for business.

The service station — which began construction at the Balderton Roundabout last summer — opened to the public for the first time on Wednesday morning (March 1).

To properly celebrate the new travel stop a special opening event will be held this Saturday (March 4) where Mayor of Newark Laurence Goff will officially open the site at 1pm.

In the build up to the opening ceremony from 11am those stopping by will also be able to admire a Red Bull Racing F1 car up-close, enjoy the atmosphere of a DJ, be in with the chance of winning a prize in a charity raffle, and have their face painted for free

The services have brought big-names to the area such as Starbucks, Burger King, Pret a Manger and Greggs, as well as fuel stops and electric charging points for cars and lorries.

Ahead of it's opening site manager Rob Kelly said the new services — which have created 87 jobs, filled by residents locally — are there to serve the community as much as they are there for A1 travellers.

The first 100 visitors through the door on Saturday will also receive a goody bag complete with special opening offers.

Chief executive at Welcome Break, John Diviney, said: “We know that locals and those on-the-move need great facilities, a wide selection of high-quality brands, plenty of parking spaces, fuel and electric charging facilities when they stop at service areas — and this is exactly what Welcome Break Newark offers.

"Our team members look forward to welcoming travellers and members of the local community.”