Coffee lovers flocked to the new Costa in Halstead High Street last week after the Gazette gave away 200 free coffee and muffin vouchers.

Readers had to get there quickly to avoid disappoinment as eager customers quickly snapped up most of the first-come, first-served freebies by lunch time.

Business has been booming for the new shop, which joined two other new stores in a boost for business in the town.

Store manager Natisha Chatten, 22, of Halstead, said: “We’ve had a really good week so far, I am so impressed with my staff, some of whom have little or no experience of working in a coffee shop, and they have really done us proud.

“It’s been a lot busier than we had expected.”

She added: “We currently employ six staff but expect this will grow soon. We are very excited to become part of the Halstead community, and feel we can do a lot for the area.”

Natisha spoke about open mic evenings held in Stowmarket’s Costa coffee and how much of a success these events had been.

“I think Halstead could really benefit from these types of community based events. It would be great to welcome people in and get people involved,” she said.