HORDES of happy shoppers were treated to a banquet of taster sessions as the Sheep Street branch of Marks & Spencer celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The M&S Simply Food store's 30 staff members took part in the festivities on Tuesday, which included a visit from Councillor Jolanta Lis, the Lord Mayor of Bicester.

On the day visitors took part in Champagne sipping as well as muffin savouring in the bakery and cookie tasting at the front of the store.

Store manager Matt Eastgate said: "It went excellently and we had a really good response from customers.

"Some of our regular team came down as well. Everyone in the store is local to the store so there is a personal investment there."

Staff at the Sheep Street store celebrated a decade in business on Tuesday with a quiz night after work.

Among them was Ali Heather, 52, of Greenwood Homes, who has worked at the premises for 20 years due to previously being employed by former tenants Iceland.

She said: "I really enjoy working here and it's a really nice bunch. The staff keep going and everyone seems to get on with everyone."

Mr Eastgate, 42, said the M&S had earned a fondness from many locals over the past decade.

He added: "It's really popular with customers. Customer service and satisfaction are exceeding expectations and staff morale is as well. It's a family.

"The big question is always 'Are you ever going to do clothes?'."

Last year Marks & Spencer suffered a blow when plans for the Bicester Retail Park development, which would have included a new outlet, were refused by Cherwell District Council. Developer Consolidated Property has since lodged an appeal against the decision.

If permission is granted the new branch would dwarf the existing M&S Simply Food and, Mr Eastgate said, would be likely to include fashion as well as food.

Staff at the Sheep Street store celebrated a decade in business on Tuesday with a quiz night after work.