SHOPPERS in York have welcomed a brand new toy shop to the city - just in time for Christmas.

The Entertainer was due to open on Saturday in the former Curry’s store in Coney Street, but thanks to a speedy turnaround, actually managed to get its doors open three days early, with a soft-opening on Wednesday.

Liam Barfield, manager of the Coney Street store, said the reaction from shoppers had been fantastic.

He said: “We’re delighted. It’s come earlier than expected - the original plan was to have 10 trading days before Christmas, so to get a couple of extra days is fantastic, that extra three days is critical at this time of year.

“So far the reaction has been fantastic. People have said they are so glad we’re here. We’ve got such a big online presence, people have said it’s funny to see walls on the place.”

Liam said it took five weeks to prepare the shop, including “eight days to get fully stocked and organised”, once the store was ready - with work including all the walls being re-plastered, and specially-sized aisles to ensure double buggies and mobility chairs could easily access the shop.

He also said the business had been welcomed into Coney Street, where a number of shops have been empty for some time in 2018.

Liam said: “It seems like we’ve really been needed here as well. I saw pictures in July of how empty it was and we’ve filled this, Poundland filled one and the street looks fuller now. It’s a historic trading city and street, so that’s great to be a part of.”

The new shop created 17 jobs, with many roles being taken by the city’s young people and some straight from college and university.

Liam said: “We’ve found they are all good people, we’ve got an absolutely lovely team here.”

The Entertainer donates 10 per cent of its annual profits to charities. Liam said any local charities wishing to be considered can find out more in store.