RESIDENTS who have for years lamented the absence of a Primark in Barry are clamouring to go on a pilgrimage to its 'world’s biggest store'.

Barry vlogger and photographer, Gemma Collard recently visited the newly-open Birmingham branch and enjoyed it so much she is organising a coach trip from the town in November.

But Ms Collard, 35, didn’t realise there would be so much demand and two coaches have already been filled with a third looking likely.

Ms Collard said: “My boyfriend (Paul Barry), mum (Caca Collard) and I just decided to go on a whim.

“We visit the Cardiff Primark regularly and wanted to see what this one was all about.

“My mum and I do Facebook lives twice a week.

“Our viewers were all really excited to see our day in Primark.

“They’re all huge Disney and Harry Potter fans so it was fun to share with them the decor and the products and that’s where the idea for the coach trip came from.

“I filled one whole coach instantly!

“I couldn’t believe it so I had to phone the coach company and ask if they could provide another.

“Luckily, they can so now there’s two huge coaches leaving Barry!”

The trip is arranged for Saturday, November 16 which times with the opening weekend of the European Christmas market.

But Ms Collard’s focus is mainly on the clothing store.

“It’s a fantastic Primark, loads of waiting areas near trying on rooms and each seat has charging stations, a brilliant idea,” she said.

“There’s five floors of shopping heaven in the Primark alone to explore.”

But her favourite part is the Disney themed café.

She said: “It sounded and felt like I was really at Disneyland, not in the corner of a shop in Birmingham.

“The decor is beautiful, all the cool neon signs, plenty of perfect Instagram photo opportunities.

“Treats of Mickey shaped waffles and pancakes available will fuel you for the rest of the day.”

She added: “Although I’m really looking forward to the trip, wouldn’t it be fantastic if Primark could open a store for us here in Barry?

“Out of town shopping, plenty of car parking, no carrying our haul through town in huge bags, it would be absolutely perfect for us and would bring so much revenue and life to the town’s shopping, I think.

“There are seats available, anyone can come.”

The coaches leave Barry at 8am and depart from Birmingham at 6pm.

“It’ll be fun,” she said. “I’m organising activities for the journey to pass the time, like bingo and a lucky seat raffle.

“Spaces are £20 and everyone’s going to get a luxury shoppers survival goodie bag to see them through the day.

“I really can’t wait.”

Primark said it would welcome the shoppers and appreciated residents’ wishes for a Barry store.

A Primark spokeswoman said: ““Primark is grateful for this support.

“We do not comment on future plans, but the UK market is very important to us.

“We have had a hugely positive reaction to our Birmingham High Street store from Primark customers and we are delighted to welcome shoppers from all over the UK and beyond.

For information, and to book a coach seat, call Gemma Collard on 07860 577767.