A DISCOUNT store creating 70 jobs to the city has launched in Southampton.

Discount store B&M Bargains has opened its first branch in the city, on the former Comet site in Millbrook.

Shoppers have had their first glimpse of the shop in Terbourba Way as it is set to boost city employment figures.

The mayor of Southampton, Cllr Linda Norris, was at the official launch where representatives of The Rainbow Project cut the ribbon.

The charity, which supports disadvantaged youngsters in Southampton, providing mentoring, supporting employment placements and preventing homelessness, has also been awarded £250 in vouchers to spend in the store.

Customers will now be able to find groceries, toiletries, toys, home products, electricals and seasonal goods in the bargain shop.

Branch manager Tim Adams said: “B&M is committed to recruiting from the local area and I am delighted we’ve found a great team from in and around Southampton. We’re really proud to be creating 70 jobs this year and playing our part in the local community."

“We were so excited to get the doors open and honoured to have representatives from The Rainbow Project alongside the Mayor cutting the ribbon to officially mark the opening of our new store.”

Cllr Norris added: “I was delighted to honour the opening of the new B&M. It’s great to see a store in Southampton which will provide another 70 jobs.”

B&M, which is chaired by former Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leah, formed in 1978 in Blackpool. It has since become one of the leading variety retailers in the UK, employing more than 20,000 people across its 450 UK stores including in Newgate Lane, Fareham and the Thorneycroft Industrial Estate in Basingstoke.