MORE than 100 people made a beeline for some hot coach travel deals when South Wales travel company Leisuretime opened its doors.

The savvy crowd walked through the doors during the first hour with more prospective holidaymakers following in their wake on the opening day.

Vale mayor, councillor Howard Hamilton and mayoress, Carol Hamilton officially opened the new store at midday on Tuesday, August 12.

The Leisuretime team supplied refreshments, giveaways and free face painting – attracting record numbers of people.

The company also raffled some fantastic prizes with the first prize winner receiving £100 Leisuretime holiday vouchers.

Second prize was a meal for four at Giovanni’s Italian restaurant and the five runners-up won a lucky dip prize.

The raffle raised more than £60, which Leisuretime will donate to its chosen charity Journeys.

The Barry store’s successful opening follows hot on the heels of the launch of a new Swansea store in May 2014.

Both stores are innovative concept travel stores, featuring cutting-edge interior design and branding that positions Leisuretime at the forefront of coach travel in Wales.

Leisuretime’s new Barry store is in a prime location on Holton Road, with a free multi-storey car park next door making it easily accessible for visitors from around South Wales.

The shop will be managed by the company’s experienced travel consultant Shirley King, who also lives in Barry.

Shirley said: “Having lived in Barry for more than 22 years, I know the area and many of the local people well. I’m confident that I’ll be able to deliver the personal customer service that Leisuretime strives to achieve.”

Leisuretime retail director George Johnson said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the store’s launch event in Barry, with a fantastic response from so many local people.”

George added: “We were astonished by how many excited and keen shoppers were waiting outside well before the doors opened. It was an extraordinary result and I am proud of the team’s efforts and hard work."

Leisuretime Barry is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, with possible Sunday open in the near future.