The years-long wait was finally over for the shoppers of York when the city's first Primark store opened its doors for business this morning.

More than 500 people queued to get the first glimpse of the two floors of merchandise in Monks Cross shopping centre, with the first customers arriving more than two hours before they could start shopping.

First in the queue was Katrina Freeman, who likes the brand so much, she has trekked to its stores all over the region, including travelling more than an hour to Meadowhall Shopping Centre near Sheffield.

"It's absolutely amazing, I can't believe it," she said as she stood inside the Monks Cross store, within walking distance of her home in Bell Farm, York, before heading off to inspect the skirts and jewellery range.

The early starters were a mix of all ages and shoppers, with some heading for the men's section, others looking for holiday accessories and clothes and some wanting a look at the summer fashion.

Some in the queue wondered why it had taken so long for the Irish-based chain to come to York. It operates more than 300 stores in 11 countries, having just opened its first Italian store, and plans to open another store in Coppergate Centre later this year.

The Monks Cross store employs 277 people with 57,600 square feet of retail space, a kitchen and rest area for the staff and other support facilities.

Inside, the massed staff chanted their store refrain "Monks Cross, Easy, Care and Fun" and prepared a five-yard archway of blue balloons inside the front doors after the Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Sonja Crisp and the Sheriff's Lady, Deborah Smith, officially opened the store at 9.30am, saying: "The jobs are welcome and the ethos of the store like Primark is very welcome". She was planning to return in a personal capacity to go shopping.

Breege O'Donoghue, Primark's group director, business development and new markets, said: "We're delighted to be in York. It's a very special city."

Katherine Sharp, Monks Cross centre manager, said: "It is one of the most eagerly anticipated store opening in the centre's history with significant excitement generated before the store was even opened, so we're confident our customers will love our new addition."