REALITY TV star Joey Essex will open one of Britain’s best known home and garden retailers.

Wilko, will open the doors to its new Lakeside store, on Wednesday 24 May at 10am.

To mark the special occasion, Essex from hit ITV show ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ will lead be on hand to cut the ribbon to the store, along with Steph Westall from Macmillan, Wilko Family Director, Lisa Wilkinson and Wilko Lakeside store manager, Steve Vaz.

The first 100 customers through the door will receive a £20 gift card and a goody bag, including a Wilko Scented Candle, Wilko Copper Effect Salt and Pepper Mill and a Wilko Chunky Notepad.

The launch day activity will include:

 Meet and greet with Joey Essex from 10.00am – 11.30am

 Prize giveaway for the first 100 customers

Wilko Lakeside store manager, Steve Vaz, said: “The team is busy preparing the final touches to the store ahead of the official opening on 24 May.”

“We can’t wait to welcome customers to see our wide range of products. We know shoppers will be impressed by the quality and value we have to offer and having just launched an array of new products for the home and garden, now is the perfect time to come and browse our collections.

“We are delighted to have Joey Essex come down and open the new store and show him our great product range.

“We've got lots of exciting things planned for after the launch day as well, so we hope everyone can come and join us to celebrate Wilko's new home in intu Lakeside.”

Joey Essex, said: “I’m really looking forward to coming to the Wilko opening, meeting the team, having a look around the new store and, of course, greeting Wilko customers too.”