Take a look inside Sunderland's new B&M store

Sunderland Mayor, Coun Alan Emerson, opens the new B&M store at Pallion Retail Park, joined by deputy manager Aaron Porter (left) and store manager Andy Martin (right).

The new store, at Pallion Retail Park, is just two doors down from its previous location.

Mayor of Sunderland, Coun Alan Emerson, was joined at the official opening by representatives of Pawz for Thought, a local group that tackles animal welfare issues in the north east, who were invited as part of B&M's Local Hero initiative.

Inside the new B&M store at Pallion Retail Park

Store manager Andrew Martin, said: "The team from Pawz for Thought really stood out for us as they go the extra mile for the community, we wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work they do.

"We hope that our donation can help them to continue the great work they do.

"Our colleagues have been working really hard to get the new store ready for opening day and we can’t wait to get the doors open and show customers their new B&M Pallion."

On Saturday, there will also be a face painter in store to transform customers into their favourite super heroes, animals or characters.

The expanded new store replaces the old B&M shop two doors away on Pallion Retail Park

The former Matalan store has undergone a comprehensive internal and external refurbishment programme and created six new jobs for local people.

B&M currently employ more than 750 people in the Tyne and Wear area.