Fashion retailers Next are opening of a new megastore in a Sydenham retail park.

Expanding across 12,189sq ft, the Bell Green store is kitted out with the latest men’s, women’s and children’s fashion, plus an extensive home department.

Although initial plans were to open a home-only store, it was later decided to bring the high street retailer's whole range.

Until now, the nearest Next store has been in Aylesbury, more than 12 miles away.

Store manager Dino Winsborrow said: "We’ve recruited 32 new people, most of who are from the Lewisham borough. Sydenham is an area we have looked into for some time and when this opportunity of a new development presented itself we just had to snap it up."

The store, which also has a Costa coffee shop, opens on May 8. For more information, visit next.co.uk