ARTS and crafts giants Hobbycraft is set to open its new store in Merry Hill next weekend, creating 20 jobs for local people.

The store, which had more than 560 people apply for the job roles, will be officially opened on Saturday, July 15, and the first 100 customers through the doors will receive a free goody bag, including a crafty kit to get them started.

Paula Fox, store manager, said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to our Merry Hill store and share our passion for arts and crafts with the Brierley Hill community in July.

“We’ve been working really hard to ensure that the store will be packed full of the most exciting crafting products, which will help our customers create some fantastic artistic projects.

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

“We’ll also be in touch with local artists, who will be invited to spend time at the store to showcase their own skills.”