Inside new Primark shop at Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe

A much-anticipated new Primark store has opened its doors in Bluewater shopping centre.

Ahead of its launch at 10am, My Kent Family was given a sneak peek inside the low-cost fashion chain's new branch.

The store features menswear, womenswear and homewear departments, as well as a much-anticipated childrenswear section.

It has opened in a 60,0000sq ft space between House of Fraser and All Saints.

While the majority of other shops at Bluewater shut at 9pm, Primark will stay open until 9.30pm from Monday to Friday - giving shoppers longer in which to snap up a bargain.

Primark leased the premises in January last year after former tenant the Early Learning Centre closed its store.

The retail giant - which already has seven stores in Kent, including at Chatham, Maidstone, Canterbury and Thanet - says the new branch has created more than 400 jobs.

It was first thought the introduction of the Bluewater store would spell the end for nearby branches in Gravesend and Dartford, but Primark said there were no plans to shut those retailers.

The shop has launched ahead of Bluewater's 20th anniversary - which is being celebrated at the shopping centre this weekend.

Bluewater opened on March 16, 1999, and has since welcomed millions of shoppers. It now has more than 300 stores and more than 50 places to eat and drink, as well as a trampoline park, luxury cinema including IMAX and Dinotropolis Adventure Park.