DJ Chris Evans is to open Dorchester's new Wellworths store

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Dorchester's Wellworths Store To Have Grand Opening By DJ Star Chris Evans On March 11.

The media personality invited himself down to do the honours after hearing how one-time Woolies Saturday girl Claire Robertson was opening the former store under the new name.

In addition he will have a sneak preview the day before when he presents his Radio 2 show from the store surrounded by shelves stocked ready for eager customers.

The former Woolworths store closed earlier this year as the national chain fell victim to the recession. However the determined Miss Robertson gained the backing of a consortium including the Ireland-based owner of the premises and set about opening a new store sure to appeal both to Woolworths fans as well as new customers.

The story of the transformation of a Woolworths branch into Wellworths has caught the attention of the media across the world. Film crews from Germany, America’s CBS and the BBC are among the news teams jostling to tell viewers how Miss Robertson – who started as a Saturday girl with Woolworths and went on to become store manager in Dorchester – is attempting to beat the recession.

She said she was delighted by the way the story lifted the spirits of everyone looking for an end to the credit crunch.

She added: “I’ve been so busy that I’ve been a bit trapped at the store getting ready – it’s been hectic.

“But people I’ve managed to speak to think it’s great. They are saying it’s bringing something positive to Dorchester. There’s been a lot of interest from the media. Right now I’ve got a BBC film crew in doing a fly-on-the-wall documentary.”

Miss Robertson has recruited 20 of the former Woolworths staff. They will be wearing new navy and sky-blue uniforms when Chris Evans cuts the ribbon on March 11 to declare the shop open for business.

She said: “It’s so exciting but hard work trying to get everything done in time. “Stock has been ordered and some has arrived and we’re all busy getting everything sorted out.”

The store windows have been covered over while work goes on in order to heighten the surprise for shoppers.

Miss Robertson added: “We’re going to have special offers and a competition in the Dorset Echo.”