HIGH Street retail giant WHSmith is to open a new store in Amersham next year.

The newsagent and stationery store has confirmed it will move in to a currently-vacant shop in Sycamore Road in the town.

The new branch will be next door to another recently-opened store, alworths, which welcomed its first customers earlier this month.

Amersham Mayor Martin Phillips said it was “great news” for the town.

He said: “I have waited a long time for it. It shows what a vibrant community we've got and it shows people want to come to Amersham for the shops.

“It's a thriving town at the moment and we want to do everything we can to help.”

WHSmith spokesman Sarah Heath said the new store would open “early next year” but could not give further details.