Topshop Opening

Hundreds of eager shoppers gathered for the opening of a new flagship Topshop and Topman store.

Anticipation for the Churchill Square launch built up on Twitter with free gifts given out to tweeting customers.

The official opening was at 10am- although a few committed shoppers were outside hours earlier.

And so many people turned up that only 15 people were let in at a time to prevent rushes.

Vintage Citroen vans had been driven around Brighton to hand out lollipops and invite people to visit the new store.

Gina Holloway, 16, woke at 6.30am to travel from Eastbourne for the launch with her friends Abbey Taylor and Kasia Dorosz, 16.

Abbey said: "I was really excited about the free stuff.

"I love Topshop's style, everything is really chic."

The 22,000sq ft store covers two floors and is the first joint shopping space for Topshop and Topman outside London.

Customers received free treats in the store, including lipsticks, giant lollipops and detox drinks after signing up on the internet.

Complimentary personal shoppers were also on hand, as were beauty experts offering free makeovers, beauty advice and manicures.

Other businesses surrounding Topshop, such as Starbucks and Eat, gave out free samples to keep queuing customers happy.

Lulu Cole, 19, her mother Daryl Anne Mooney, 45 and their friend Charlotte Haywood, 18, were also among the crowd.

Charlotte said: "Topshop has the perfect mix of high end and high street clothes."

Jade Tansley, 20, of Brighton, said: "I'm literally going to spend all my money here today."

Ella Soloman, 19, from Brighton said: "My student loan came in today so I am very excited to be here!"

And the party atmosphere was completed by a DJ and a photo booth.

Shoppers likened the experience to the flagship store on Oxford Street and were keen to see the new autumn and winter collection.