Hundreds of excited shoppers queued outside an eagerly anticipated discount store on its opening day.

A queue of customers lined up outside the new TK Maxx store, in Braintree Retail Park, ahead of its official opening at 9am on September 7.

The store used to be home to Carpet Right, which has moved into a separate unit, and sits next to M&S Simply Food.

A TK Maxx spokesman said: “We are delighted to finally open our doors to the shoppers of Braintree Retail Park.

"We greeted hundreds of excited customers this morning as they headed in to discover the big labels and designer gems.

"The rapidly changing assortment creates the treasure hunt shopping experience that our customers love and we are so excited to share it with Braintree.

"We encourage shoppers to stop by often to find the latest designer fashion and unique gems on offer, always at amazing value.”

The store welcomed 40 new employees, all hired from Braintree and the surrounding area, with a support team there to help for the first day.

It offers a variety of clothing and homeware products at up to 60 per cent less than the recommended retail price with several deliveries a week.

For more information visit tkmaxx.com.