Eager shoppers arrived more than an hour early, in a bid to be first through the doors of Carlisle's new Primark store.

The budget clothing shop opened its doors at 10am, with more than 60 people already in line by 9.20am - with the first women admitting to arriving at 8.55am.

Related article: City centre firms gear up for Primark opening in Carlisle

Primark staff handed out bottles of water to those waiting.

The Mayor of Carlisle, Colin Stothard, thanked Primark for coming to the city before the doors were officially flung open and people streamed in.

The first shoppers arrived at the tills just six minutes after the doors opened.

Reaction from the shoppers has already been positive, with people saying they are impressed with the stock and the prices.

Rachel Pilmer, 30, and Judith Pilmer, 54, of Morton Park, were among the first inside.

They said Primark's arrival is "good for Carlisle" and "the boost the city needed".

PRIMARK SURVIVAL GUIDE

Here are our top five tips as to how you can survive opening day at Primark.

1. Trying on clothes is a must The queue for the changing rooms is long but you must try on your items or face a lengthy queue if you are forced to return them. We advise wearing a vest top and leggings so you can try your clothes on on the shop floor without having to queue.

Avoiding the queues 2. There will be queues but it is advisable to check upstairs first as the men’s and homeware tills may have a shorter queue.

3. Be ready to rummage Over time you’re sifting skills will improve and you will be a pro before you know it. The gems are there you just have to rummage through stuff before you find them.

4. Shop at weird times Beat the queues by shopping first thing in the morning. Avoid weekends and Thursday nights at all cost

5. Don’t get overwhelmed The excitement can make people go a bit crazy and often rude. But don’t run away. Make sure you arrived mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared with a calming smile and some serious bargain hunting determination.