CHARITY campaigner Natalie Hearn had the honour of opening Swindon’s new B&M store yesterday.

The store, based at the former Homebase unit in Paddington Drive, employs 70 staff and Natalie had the honour of cutting the ribbon as the doors opened to shoppers.

Before the opening the company, which sells homeware, food and garden equipment, ran a competition to find a local hero, with Natalie chosen to perform the honours.

She was nominated for raising thousands of pounds for the Wroughton-based Prospect Hospice. Natalie, who is a presenter with charity radio station Swindon 105.5, said she was delighted to be taking part in the event.

“It is great to be here today and I was very excited to be asked,” she said.

“I thought they were taking the Mick when they rang, as I never win anything.”

Mayor Teresa Page attended the opening and said the new store was a boost for Swindon. “It is brilliant to see Swindon’s economy being supported,” she said.

Dan Whiddington, manager of the new shop, has transferred from B&M’s store in Trowbridge.

He said: “It is a great relief to be fully open. We’ve had eight staff coming from Homebase and the rest are new employees."

“We have put a lot of work into this shop and I’m delighted to be in charge of Swindon’s new store.”

There is also another B&M shop in Swindon, off County Road.