THE country's leading craft and art supplies chain is opening its 100th shop in Colchester before the end of the month.

Hobbycraft is opening its milestone shop inside a brand new unit in Tollgate Road, Stanway, on Tuesday, March 24.

The new shop will offer an extensive range of craft products for beginners, experts, kids and party planners and will have a dedicated Custom Craft area, encouraging shoppers to have a go at new techniques.

Colchester will be one of fourteen Hobbycraft stores across the UK to have a dedicated Custom Craft area.

The new business has created 13 new jobs for the area, with new staff members being enthusiastic crafters themselves.

Greg Chivers, store manager of Hobbycraft Colchester, said: "We’re really looking forward to opening the doors to our store and are extremely excited that it marks such a milestone for the business.

"The store will be packed full of exciting products which will help our customers create handmade masterpieces and we look forward to sharing our passion for arts and crafts with the community.

"Our new colleagues are all dedicated crafters and are ready to inspire and share their knowledge with locals of all crafting abilities.”

The shop will be open Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

A grand store opening is being held on Saturday, March 28, with goody bags available for the first 100 customers and a special guest to cut the ribbon.

Visit hobbycraft.co.uk or follow the store on Twitter @hobbycraft_COL.