Jason Donovan opened Colchester's Debenhams store in 1987

IT’S not everyday you rub shoulders with a pop and soap star during your lunch break.

However, that was the scenario faced by Kim Benjafield after bumping into Aussie heartthrob Jason Donavan.

Jason-mania was just taking hold thanks to Neighbours, with his stellar pop career about to launch, and he caused a major stir when officially opening Colchester’s Debenhams in 1987.

Kim, then 17, met him outside her staff room while working for Dorothy Perkins, within the Culver Square store.

Buzz of anticipation - Jason emerges from the manager's office. He and his security team were heading downstairs. Kim happened to come out of the staff room after finishing her lunch break

She said: "I had my lunch break, came out of the staff room and there he was with his security team on his way down to the shop floor to meet his fans.

"There was a real buzz in the store and he was a big star at the time.

"It was crazy downstairs.

"The screams filled the whole store and there must have been lots of girls missing from school that day. A lot had definitely bunked off!

Raising the roof - the Neighbours star addresses his adoring fans in Colchester

"I got caught red-handed by my manager for sneaking away from my department to watch him.

"She was in the crowd so saw me hanging over the banisters taking pictures, but it was worth the telling off!"

Married Kim worked for Dorothy Perkins for 18 months and news of Debenhams closing its doors for the last time on May 15 has brought memories flooding back for the 51-year-old, who still lives in Colchester.

"I was due to start working in the store the week before it opened, only to be delayed home from Majorca because of the hurricane of October 1987," she said.

Aussie heartthrob - Jason Donavan arriving in Head Street, ahead of his much-anticipated personal appearance in Colchester. Kim was on her lunch break so was able to take this picture

"I’m really sad it’s closing because I liked many of the departments within the store.

"It had a lot under one roof and, personally, I prefer to try clothes on and feel materials than order online.

"The staff were always helpful, too.

"I went in there the other day, knowing there wouldn't be a lot in the store but mainly to have a nostalgic walk around.

Opening - Ann Martin-King (left), actor Jason Donovan and another worker, Sarah. Ann-Marie featured in the Gazette in 2017 after celebrating 30 years working for Debenhams

"I've got some good memories of working in there - and not just bumping into Jason.

"I hope all the current staff find other jobs they enjoy.

"I feel for them and it’s a big loss for the town."

Elsewhere on this spread are other pictures from the Gazette archives, reflecting on Debenhams' time in Colchester.