THERE was jubilation this week after plans by Marks and Spencer to move into the town were revealed.

The top High Street store is planning to move into the vacated Co-op unit in the Riverside Shopping Centre with a Simply Food outlet.

A spokeswoman for M&S, Claire Wilks, said: "This is a dedicated food store concept and we are pleased to be able to open one in Evesham.

"We have more than 100 of these stores across the UK at accessible locations.

"There will be a complete range of Marks and Spencer food products plus wine and other grocery items."

She said contracts had been exchanged for the 7,000 square foot outlet, which should be opening in the autumn.

Mayor of Evesham Frances Smith said: "It's very good news. People have been asking for decades - when will Evesham have a Marks and Spencer?

"This can only be a good thing and will see customers flocking to the Riverside Centre, I am sure."

Evesham Town Centre manager Lew Hammond said: "Marks and Spencer moving in will be a fantastic draw to the town. We have seen a proliferation of out-of-town shops, but hopefully M&S will turn the tide and be a magnate for other stores.

"We have worked hard to make the town more attractive to big retailers and will continue to do so."

Earlier this week it was revealed that M&S suffered a drop in profit of 19 per cent. Women's clothing sales did particularly poorly, but food sales did marginally better rising 2.4 per cent.

Apart from opening Simply Food stores M&S have just announced a deal with BP to open similar outlets at petrol stations around the country.