The re-opening of a Marlborough High Street shop was given full civic endorsement on Saturday with Mayor Nick Fogg, his wife Edwina and the town council’s officers of dignity.

Town crier Alfie Johnson rang his bell to announce the opening of M&Co clothing store on Saturday morning. He was accompanied by mace bearers David Sherratt and Stanley Radnedge.

The shop opened in the former Marks and Spencer Simply Food store, which closed after only two years.

Coun Fogg said he was delighted to see that one of what he referred to as “gaps in the teeth” of Marlborough’s main retail frontage had been filled.

The staff of 11, most of them local and some who worked for M&S, includes manager Shirley Cox.

The store at 4,500 square feet is one of the biggest in the town centre and offers a range of women’s and children’s clothing.