An eager crowd gathered for the grand opening of a new department store this morning.

The Borehamwood Shopping Park hosted a horde of excited shoppers this morning as it prepared for the opening of giant retailer Debenhams.

Councillor and town deputy mayor Councillor Richard Butler and The Singer Takes It All winner Steve Dorsett kicked off the opening celebrations by cutting the ribbon outside the shop at 9am this morning.

Excited shopper Yvonne Lobjort, who came to the opening with her grandchildren, said: “It is exciting, it just brings a touch of class to the area and it is great timing ahead of Christmas.

“I am glad I’ve been able to come down for the opening with Ruby and Remmie.”

Once the doors were opened, the crowds rushed in to the sounds of Mr Dorsett performing hit songs from the likes of The Killers and Coldplay, while staff provided beauty and clothing consultations.

Coffee chain Costa Coffee, on the first floor, was also open to the public with free samples of winter drinks on offer.

Manager Victoria Haver said: “It has been a lot of hard work and team dedication here in the shop, but also from the London regional office.

“We’ve tried to make everything based around this area, so we have worked with the job centre and employed people from around here.

“We are going to be very much a part of the community here, and we want people to feel that.”

The shop has created around 120 jobs - many of which have gone to young people in the area due to the department store's partnership with a college in St Albans.

Along with Costa Coffee, the store stocks a number of men's and women's fashion concessions along with gift ideas and a whole host of beauty and cosmetic stands.

The car park has also been altered for Debenhams customers, allowing four allocated spaces for customers using the click and collect service, while the whole flow of the car park has been rerouted for ease of access.