Wilko has opened its doors at The Oaks Shopping Centre. The company said queues outside the new store started forming at 7.45am with more than 148 shoppers keen to get a first look at the new wilko store.

The first 100 customers received a goody bag, containing products including a notebook and reusable stainless-steel water bottle. Whilst shoppers on the day also enjoyed free cupcakes and the opportunity to take away a caricature portrait by speed sketcher, Picasso Griffiths.                                                                           

A ceremonial ribbon cutting was led by wilko head of south division Harj Josson, wilko family charity ambassador Nick Wilkinson, wilko Acton branch manager, Daljit Dhariwal and Joe Swan, a representative of the Alzheimer’s Society, who attended on behalf of the wilko Charity Partnership. The Wilko Charity Partnership supports Save the Children, Alzheimer’s Society and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Mr Dhariwal presented the charity partnership with a £600 cheque for all three charities. He said: “We had a fantastic turnout for the launch event, which was a very positive start to our residence here at The Oaks Shopping Centre. We can’t wait to welcome more customers to the new store.”