HUNDREDS of shoppers joined long-serving employee Phyllis Marshall in “toasting” the opening of Bury’s new Marks and Spencer store.

Phyllis, aged 57, was selected to cut the ribbon outside the flagship store and visitors were given a free glass of champagne to mark the occasion. The new 48,000 sq ft unit in St John’s Square replaces the store the company occupied in the Mill Gate centre.

Phyllis joined the firm in September, 1968. She said: “I felt very privileged to have been chosen to cut the ribbon. I’ve been with Marks and Spencer in Bury for almost 42 years and this is the third site I’ve been on. I want to carry on for a few more years yet.”

Phyllis, who lives in Holcombe Brook, started with Marks and Spencer as a 15-year-old and is now their longest-serving employee in Bury.

Her husband Alan has worked in the warehouse for 29 years and her son, Craig, served in the store over Christmas.