A NEW Marks and Spencer store is due to open its doors early next year.

After submitting its plans to build a foodhall at the site of a former Budgens store in Broadstone, the retailer confirmed it would be opening the store in winter.

An M&S spokesperson has now said residents will have to wait until after Christmas for the new store to open.

"We’re looking forward to bringing the very best of M&S Food to Broadstone early next year with a new M&S Foodhall. We’ll continue to update the local community with further details as plans progress," they said.

Budgens in Lower Blandford Road shut its doors in early July.

As well as minor alterations to the outside of the store, M&S is seeking permission to install two trolley bays and a plant at the rear.

When plans for the new M&S store were revealed, local councillors agreed it would be a boost for Broadstone's trade.

Cllr Vikki Slade said it was “really good news for Broadstone”.

“Not only will it mean more choice for people in Broadstone, but for the traders it means that people will be travelling in from elsewhere for their shopping.

“I hope it might lead to other retailers opening up.”