MARKS & Spencer's £1.3 million revamped food hall in York city centre was unveiled to the public at a special ceremony.

The new-look food area at the store in Pavement was officially opened yesterday by staff member Marian Richards, who was nominated for the task in honour of her 37 years of loyalty and commitment to Marks & Spencer in York.

Ms Richards began working at the store in February 1967 when she was only 17 years old.

The new food hall is more contemporary and modern and much of the refurbishment money has been spent on state-of-the-art compact fridges similar to ones already used at the company's Monks Cross store.

A recent opinion survey of York customers suggested that ways should be found to make the area less cramped and the food hall has been designed to give people more elbow space.

A company spokesman said: "It comes at a really exciting time for Marks & Spencer food customers in York and we want to shout about it.

"A really clear and easy to shop layout will help you select from the finest range of ready meals, wines, fresh produce, bakery, flowers and plants. We have relocated our tills to a customer-friendly location and added extra tills to serve you even more efficiently."

The grand opening will be continued with three days of entertainment and product sampling for customers over the weekend.

Staff from the Evening Press also joined in the fun yesterday and gave away free six-packs of hot cross buns with every sale of the newspaper.

Updated: 10:57 Friday, April 16, 2004