RETAIL giant Marks & Spencer is today launching a new store under its Simply Food format at Martlesham Heath, near Ipswich.

M&S has recruited 70 people to work at the store, which is due to open its doors at 10am.

A day of entertainment will follow, including an in-store DJ, a champagne bar and a shopper competition.

Those visiting between noon and 2pm on the opening day will also have a chance to win a share of £1,000 of M&S Gift Cards in an in-store competition.

The 15,000 sq ft store, on the Martlesham Heath Retail Park, will feature a comprehensive range of M&S food, including the successful Count on Us... and Cook! ranges along with wines, beers and spirits. There will also be a 48-seat café.

Mike Humphreys, store manager, said: “We’re really looking forward to opening our doors at the brand new M&S Simply Food Martlesham Heath and I can’t wait to invite our customers to come and experience the very best of M&S food.

“M&S Simply Food is a great addition to the retail park and is our first to open in Ipswich. We hope that customers will join us on April 10 to see all the new and exciting products in-store.”

M&S Simply Food at Martlesham Heath will normally be open between 8am and 8pm Monday - Saturday and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays, with free parking available at the retail park.