THOUSANDS of shoppers were today flocking to York’s long-awaited new Debenhams store, as doors opened for the first day of trading.

Miss York, Helen Lawal, was due to officially declare the shop open at 10am, while fellow beauty queen, Beth Ridley – who is deputy Miss York – was also on hand to welcome customers to York’s newest department store.

The arrival of Debenhams at Monks Cross Shopping Centre has created 69 new jobs, providing a much-needed boost to the York economy.

To celebrate the opening, customers were today being treated to entertainment from a jazz trio and stilt walkers.

They were also taking advantage of discounts of up to 70 per cent on selected ranges, as well as a range of other special offers in store.

The fun is set to continue on Saturday, with more stilt walkers and the chance for children to get their faces painted.

Store manager Matthew Middleton said: “Everyone has put so much effort into getting the store ready and the results are fantastic. Debenhams Monks Cross has everything that York needs when it comes to fashion, beauty and gifts. Our store is an exciting and unique shopping environment, with some of our newest and most exclusive brands.

The high street fashion chain has taken up 15,000sq ft of space in the former PC World premises, leaving a 5,000sq ft area still waiting to be let.