H'Angus the Monkey was in town on Thursday to help officially open the brand new BHS store at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

The flagship store - which created fifty new jobs - has been packed by customers since its' opening last week as people rush to see what's on offer across the 35,000 square feet.

And H'Angus was more than happy to be invited along to join the entertainment which included dance acts and musical performances from around the region.

The Monkey mascot was honoured to cut the ribbon alongside Store Manager Ian Davies, Mayor Stuart Drummond, Middleton Grange Centre Manager Mark Rycraft and the thrilled members of BHS staff.

"It's a fantastic store and the finish is outstanding," said Davies, who has been with BHS for 14 years and has moved from the Middlesbrough store to take charge.

"This is a really exciting opportunity and I have been like a big kid at Christmas walking around looking at the store.

"The interest has been huge, we saw that with around 1,000 applications for the 50 jobs and we carried out over 600 interviews."

Mayor Drummond added: "Now it is up to the people of Hartlepool make this a success."