SHOPPERS defied the downpours to take a look at the town’s latest bargain store after it opened for business today.

One Below is employing 20 people including former staff of Poundworld, which used to occupy the unit in Regent Street.

Store manager Paddy Griffiths told the Adver: "It has been busier than I had expected, the weather hasn't been great but the local people have still come out to show their support.

Curious customers were keen to see what the store had to offer and there were queues halfway down the aisles not long after the doors opened.

Elizabete Ventura, 48, of Pinehurst said: "It replaced a similar shop that used to be here before but that's what happens in these modern times. Shops are closing all the time which is sad but I like coming into town to shop rather than online and this experience has been great."