​“THIS is just the sort of shop that Cleethorpes has been crying out for.”

That was the reaction of customers as they stepped through the doors of the resort’s new Boyes store for the first time.

As reported, the shop is located on the site of the former Woolworths on the High Street and takes the number of Boyes branches nationwide to 36.

Andrew Boyes, chairman of the company which also operates a store on Grimsby’s Freeman Street, said the opening was exciting news for Cleethorpes.

He said: “Today is a very proud day for the company and we are extremely pleased with the way that it has come together – it looks fantastic.

“Quite a lot of people in the area know us and understand what Boyes is all about, so I’m hoping that people will take to the new store well.

“Before starting the project, I received quite a few letters from Cleethorpes residents asking when we were going to open a store here.

“Quite simply this was the right site at the right time and it is a very exciting time to be expanding the business.

“We are still a family business and it is very pleasing that 120 years down the line we are still going strong and growing all the time.”

Michelle Grice, of Cleethorpes, was one of the first customers inside the new store after queuing from 8am.

She said: “It is fantastic, we have all been really excited about it opening.

“We only live around the corner so it is absolutely ideal.

“It couldn’t have come to a better place – it is the sort of shop Cleethorpes has been crying out for.”

John Stenhouse, of Cleethorpes, said: “This store is long overdue and is good news for the town.

“It is nice to see that something positive has been done with the old Woolworths site – I’m very impressed.”