THOUSANDS of people flocked to Merry Hill to see dishy chef James Martin officially open the new £24m food court.

Fans began queuing from 9am to catch a glimpse of the TV cook, who didn’t disappoint as he held a question and answer session as well as signing autographs and posing for pictures.

The new development called Eat Central, boasts a varied range of national and international retailers, including Tiffinbites, Burger King, Crepescape, KFC, Muffin Break, Yangtze Express and Nineteen Tex Mexican Kitchen, as well as Nando’s and Pizza Express restaurants.

Speaking about the new multi-million development, which has created 200 permanent jobs for the area, James said he was taken aback by the variety available.

He said: “I think it is fantastic, there is something here for everyone.”

The chef, who is famed for his love of cars, arrived at the centre in his new red and black Audi R8, which he said “didn’t appreciate the speed bumps around Merry Hill.”

As well as answering questions from fans, the cook also gave a tip for Christmas dinner - advising the crowds to cook their turkey in guinness and ready made stock, which would turn into a sticky glaze during roasting.

Also appearing on stage was Tim Sunter, Chairman of Brierley Hill Town Centre Partnership, who helped launch the new scheme.

Mr Sunter said: “I think it is fantastic news to get 200 full time jobs in the heart of Brierley Hill in a scheme which also provided 150 construction jobs.

“It was also unique for Westfield to create the Hospitality Academy through Stourbridge College, which gives training opportunities so local people can get local jobs.

“It is also great news that 64 of the graduates from the Academy have got jobs here at Merry Hill.”

Shoppers also gave the thumbs up to the new centre addition and to the VIP guest.

Becky Westwood, aged 29, from Brierley Hill, admitted she was a huge fan of the chef as she arrived early to get her front place in the crowd.

She said: “It was well worth getting here early. I got right to the front and James signed my book and took a picture of us together. There is nothing better than waking up to Saturday Kitchen every morning. He is a brilliant hangover cure.”

Cradley Heath fan Debbie Sims, aged 36, attended the opening with her friend Lesley Darby, who was celebrating her 42nd birthday.

Debbie was determined to catch a glimpse of James as she missed him the last time he visited Merry Hill 11-years-ago.

She said: “I wanted to come and see him 11-years-ago, but I couldn’t get here because my husband was ill. So there was no way I was going to miss him again. I work for my husband so he couldn’t stop me and I booked the day off especially.

“James is lovely and we are so glad we got to meet him. It has made our day.”

To see pictures from the opening Click here

Or click below to watch our video of the event: