HUNDREDS of bargain hunters queued for hours to be the first customers in the town centre's new Poundstretcher yesterday.

The shop opened on Regent Street at 10am, with Deputy Mayor Coun Kevin Parry cutting the ribbon.

More than 200 people were inside the shop within 10 minutes of the doors opening.

Shirley Yeats was one of them.

She said: "It's about time we had another one.

"I use the one in Greenbridge quite often but it's much better to have one right in the middle of town.

"I live in the town centre so it's right on my doorstep, which is great."

Joycee Preira said: "I'm quite excited, I go to Poundstretcher every week.

"It's nice to have one in the town centre."

Coun Parry said: "This is excellent for the town.

"It's also great to have another unit in the town centre filled.

"People love a bargain and this has brand-name products at low prices.

"It's clearly very popular and I'm pleased to see it here.

"We have a nice mixture of shops in the town centre, it's a good balance."

Store manager Gheeta Cheedella said: "People keep saying the town centre is dying and we're here to give it a shock.

"The response to this opening has been fantastic, we've had so many customers in already and some have queued since 6.30am.

"I'm looking forward to managing this store and I hope it stays this busy.

"We have the cheapest prices in town, 85 per cent of our products are cheaper than anywhere else.

A spokesman for the chain says the company has invested £500,000 in the new shop and recruited 25 people for full-time and part-time jobs.

Poundstretcher's area manager, David Arlett, said: “We are pleased to be opening a brand new store to the people of Swindon with loads of fantastic branded products, all at bargain prices.

“The team is working hard to deliver an outstanding shopping experience, great service, and an enjoyable shopping environment for all our new customers."