A £1.5m cut-price clothing store opens in Darlington today, providing more than 100 jobs for the town.

The Matalan store, on a site off Neasham Road previously occupied by a Co-op store and most recently a Morrisons supermarket, will be opened by Darlington Mayor Councillor Doris Jones.

It is the 158th Matalan shop to open in the country.

Today's ceremony also marks the launch of a two-month fundraising appeal for the Giving Tree, which provides Christmas presents for children in care homes.

The initiative was set up by Darlington Borough Council's social services department in 1997 and last year helped more than 1,000 people in the town.

On average, each person helped by the Giving Tree appeal receives ten gifts, which are donated by the public and local companies.

Players from Darlington Football Club are visiting the new store today.

There will also be a jazz band, face painting and balloon sculptures.

The company, which has more than eight million members in the UK, will also have 20 extra jobs for the Christmas period.

Matalan is the fourth largest fashion retailer in the UK and has established a solid reputation as one of the country's most popular cut-price clothing shops.

Store manager Peter Mason said: "We can't wait to open the store and start fundraising for the Giving Tree.

"We have had a great deal of interest from the community for the imminent opening of the store, and we hope everyone will join in the fun on Thursday to help support such a worthwhile cause."

There was a massive response from local people when the company announced it was recruiting.

More than 900 requests for application forms were received by the town's JobCentre for vacancies, and a recruitment day held at the centre was also attended by hundreds of applicants.

Retail director Andy Clarke said: "We're really pleased to be opening our store here in Darlington."