A major high street unit which has been empty for more than a year will once again be welcoming customers through its doors.

Retail giants B&M will be opening its new Lowestoft store, in London Road North, on Friday, February 23.

BHS previously occupied the large unit but since the company collapsed in August 2016 the prime shopping location had been left dormant.

The store has since undergone an internal and external refurbishment and its opening next week will secure more than 60 jobs for local people.

As part of the store's official opening it will shine a spotlight on some of the town's unsung charity heroes.

Lowestoft Lions Club have been chosen to open the store and will also receive £250 worth of B&M vouchers.

Paige Capps, manager of the new store, said: 'The team from Lowestoft Lions Club really stood out for us.

'They go the extra mile for the local community and we wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work they do.'

The Lions charity encourages local people to become volunteers and gives them opportunities to improve their community, it also organises fundraising events throughout the year to raise money for those who need it most.

Ms Capps said: 'We hope that our donation can help them to continue all the great work they do.'

The store manager also spoke of the excitement surrounding the long-awaited opening.

She said: 'The new team have been working really hard to get the store ready for opening day and we can't wait to get the doors open and show customers their new B&M.'

While the store was originally scheduled to open in time for Christmas unforeseen refurbishment delays pushed back the date.

The new arrival to the town centre may also encourage future investment according to Britten Centre manager Dan Poitras.

He said: 'With B&M coming in it is a great addition to the town.

'We are looking forward to it and on the back of them coming there are other retailers who have also shown an interest in the empty shops we have in the town centre.'