THE first unit in Bournemouth's prestigious Westover Retail Park has been officially opened.

Hollyoaks actress Julie Peasgood drew the crowds to the opening ceremony at Laura Ashley.

The company's home furnishings store will soon be joined by Pizza Hut, Woolworths and the golf store Nevada Bob on the site, formerly occupied by Westover Motors/Bristol Street in Castle Lane West.

The retail park, which was bought by Molins UK Pension Fund Trustee Ltd for £4.3 million, will create a total of 180 jobs.

The new Woolworths store is due to open in October.