SHOPPERS have given the thumbs-up to a home furnishing store which opened its doors for the first time yesterday.

Dunelm Mill's 36,700 sq ft outlet on the corner of Ascot Drive and London Road in Derby has created 45 new jobs.

The site was formerly the home of a B&Q store and had stood empty for three years.

Over the past few months, the old outdoor garden products yard has been built on, creating a Pausa coffee shop and extra retail space.

The store replaces Dunelm's old outlet, also in Ascot Drive, with 40 workers transferring to the new shop.

The company said the larger store, which was officially opened by Derby Mayor Les Allen, would allow the firm to stock more than 20,000 products.

Shop manager Andrew Bullivant said he hoped customers would have an enjoyable shopping experience.

He added: "We've had a presence in Derby for 13 years. It's good that we can keep that presence.

"Although it goes against the trend to open new shops in the current economic climate, we hope the new store offers something enjoyable to our customers.

"The feedback we've had so far today has been very positive. People are impressed with the size of the new store and how bright and clean it is."

Caroline Feneley, 48, from Ashbourne, said she visited the shop for the good value.

She added: "I think the new store is lovely and the staff are really helpful.

"I've done a bit of impulse shopping today and bought more than I need!"

Ligia Abreu, 60, from Rosemary Drive, Alvaston, said the new store was a big improvement on the old Ascot Drive site.

She added: "I hope it will be a focal point in Derby and the coffee shop is of real benefit. People don't need to go all the way into town now."

Elaine and Cliff Davison, from Allestree, who are both retired, both said they liked the store. Mrs Davison, 68, added: "It's a lot warmer than the last shop!

"We used to visit the one on Ascot Drive a lot and this is a really big improvement."

Dunelm chief executive Nick Warton welcomed the opening of the new outlet.

He added: "It's brilliant to see all the hard work come together and we look forward to continuing to bring our Simply Value for Money prices to the Derby area."