CELEBRITY actress and author Meera Syal officially opened South Woodford's newest shop this morning.

The owners of 'Sid and Evie', in George Lane, hope to do a roaring trade locally with their range of items for young children and expectant mums.

Ms Syal, who lives nearby on South Woodford's Firs Estate, joined manager Suzanne Bennet and a crowd of eager customers to cut the ribbon at a ceremony at 11am.