HOBBYCRAFT in Taunton opens its doors TODAY (September 17) – five days earlier than expected.

The store, on the Deane Retail Park, was set to welcome crafty shoppers from next Tuesday, September 22. But it was ready to open today instead.

Taunton’s Hobbycraft will create 16 new jobs in the area, following more than 160 applications for a variation of roles.

Crafting experts are on hand to help, including papercraft expert Ellie who specialises in cricut, sewing expert Kim who has a passion for quilting, and Tracey, the in-store cross stitch expert.

“We’ve been working really hard to ensure that the store will be packed full of the most exciting crafting products, which will help our customers create handmade masterpieces, whilst keeping in line with the new government guidelines,” said store manager Tina.

“Our new colleagues are all dedicated crafters and are ready to inspire and share their knowledge with locals of all crafting abilities.”

The store will open in line with Government guidelines, with a queue system, limited customers in the store, and customers being asked to make contactless card payments.