BARGAIN hunters descended in their masses to the opening of one of the UK’s largest family-run retailers on Saturday.

Home Bargains has opened its doors in Hobley Drive after a £600,000 investment by the discount retailer - much to the delight of hundreds of shoppers.

The company created 58 jobs as a result of the store opening, the first Home Bargains in Swindon, joining over 400 outlets across the UK.

Fiona Trace, store manager, said she was thrilled by how many walked through the doors in the first couple hours of opening after the ribbon was cut by mayor Maureen Penny on Saturday morning.

“We have had people coming in their cars over the last week thinking it was open," she said. "We have had people in the car park talking to one another about what we sell and people are generally excited about the opening with people spending more than expected.

“Home Bargains is totally unique and it is a family busses which is a bonus.

“We have had lots of people saying they glad we are open because Cirencester is the nearest one and a lot of people travel there to buy.

“Swindon needed people employed and we believed we have helped that a little bit.

“It was a very proud moment and we were all very excited.

“We have gone all out for this opening and we have invested a lot into this store so we hope to reward the company for that.”

Home Bargains, which is opening approximately 50 stores a year, is bucking the trend in the industry and decided to open the 13,000 sq ft unit on the former Aldi site to offer shoppers a balance of top quality brands at bargain prices.

The shop, which sees more than four million customers walk through its doors nationally each week, offers shoppers a range of products, including homewares, health and beauty essentials, sweets, snacks and drinks.

Jolanta Salaviejute, area manager for the branch said interest first sparked when a job advert was put out.

“As soon as we put it out, we had a crazy amount of people applying," she added. "In three days, I received 250 applications and that was from people just in Swindon.

“We really look after our staff and we aim to provide the best customer service possible.”

For more information, visit www.homebargains.co.uk.