Opticians Specsavers has opened in Bradley Stoke’s Willow Brook Centre creating seven new jobs.

The facility has been opened some 25 years after the first branch began trading in Bristol’s Bond Street.

Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins said: “The Bristol area has always proved a successful trading environment for us and we are incredible grateful to our loyal customers.

“This is a great way of giving something back by providing a more convenient service to Bradley Stoke residents, and we are also delighted to be created new jobs in the community.”

Store directors Vivek Lakhanpaul and Edward Stanleigh have experience of the immediate area with Mr Stanleigh acting as store manager at the Chippenham branch.

Mr Lakhanpaul, who has worked as an optometrist at Bracknell, said: “We’re really excited about opening the new store and are looking forward to welcoming customers through the doors.

“We hope that people will see us as the equivalent to their friendly local GP – providing them with the best possible eye care.”

Meanwhile, The Willow Brook Centre will be celebrating its first birthday at the weekend – and visitors could bag some freebies.

Free goody bags filled with treats and birthday cake will be on offer on Saturday, 10 October 2009 between 11am and 4pm.

Centre manager Scott Lahive said: “We are all very excited to be celebrating this special day with the residents of Bradley Stoke and the surrounding areas.

“In tough economical times we want to give something back and celebrate with everyone who has supported the centre in its first year, and will continue to provide high levels of service to keep shoppers coming back next year.”