A MAJOR department store has re-opened in a Bradford shopping centre - eight years after its former store in Godwin Street was closed.

Members of the public were given a warm welcome from staff as they entered the Kirkgate Centre's new TJ Hughes shop, keen to take advantage of opening offers and rewards and to grab a bargain.

Catherine Riley, centre manager of Kirkgate Shopping Centre was joined by and Harry Panayi, the project lead regional manager at TJ Hughes, who had the honour of cutting the ribbon to the new 25,000 sq. ft. store.

Jason Harmer, TJ Hughes’ chief operating officer, delivered a welcome speech before crowds flocked through the doors.

Mrs Riley said: "We are truly delighted to have welcomed TJ Hughes into the centre.

"The launch event was a massive success and we have received such positive feedback and a high level of excitement from our shoppers.

"The opening will certainly enhance and expand the existing selection of goods and services we currently have to offer."

The new store has created a total of 60 jobs and has joined a line-up of chain retailers and independent businesses including, Primark, New Look, The Fragrance Shop, F. Hinds, Shoe Zone and Poundland.

Centre manager Gerry Cairns said he was very excited about the opening, after the chain returned to Bradford by popular demand.

He has previously described how he "cannot wait" to welcome the Bradford public into the new store.

The vast discount department store has a wide range of items on offer, from men and women's fashion with of the biggest brands available, along with an extensive range of home products, electricals, and outdoor and garden items.

It is hoped the new store will be a central part of the rejuvenation of the centre, which is set to welcome popular store Boyes when it relocates from North Parade.

The first 31 shoppers in the queue received vouchers to redeem in-store worth between £5 and £20.

They also gave away free Regatta fleeces to the first 100 shoppers who made a purchase from the outdoor clothing brand. Shoppers were also treated to an in-store DJ set.

The city has been without a TJ Hughes since the Godwin Street store closed down on August 31, 2011.

More than 53 jobs were lost when the shutters came down on the building, after the company had been trading in administration since June that year and with a clearance sale offering goods at substantially reduced prices.

Bradford was among the last five stores to close, along with Doncaster, Sunderland, Lichfield and Wrexham.

The closure was described as "devastating" by union bosses as 260 jobs were lost all over the country.