A long-awaited pie and mash shop in will open this Saturday.

Famous Walthamstow brand Manze's will open its branch in Braintree High Street this Saturday at 11am.

Work has taken almost a year to complete from proposal to building.

In August last year, pie and mash veterans Tim Nicholls and Jacqueline Cooper, brother and sister, bought the Braintree premises.

They submitted plans to Braintree Council and building work started in September.

Mr Nicholls took over the Islington branch of the pie and mash shop 30 years ago after starting out as a Saturday boy.

The shop will be run by him and his sister Jackie Cooper, who both worked in the Walthamstow branch for over 30 years.

Ms Cooper said she is looking forward to the opening.

She said: "The shop has 20 seats so it's not that big, and I know it's been long-awaited, but we don't want a big opening or a ceremony.

"We would like to start serving customers straight away, so we're looking forward to welcoming customers to our shop.

The Walthamstow branch was the favourite of England star David Beckham and his family, though Ms Cooper said it is unlikely he will pay a visit to Braintree.

She said: "David Beckham's Mum Sandra used to come in and buy pie and mash from us in Walthamstow, she was always lovely and friendly.

"She was just a normal person really and was always really nice to all our staff."

Pies will be made in the Walthamstow branch in London before being transported into Braintree for cooking.

Ms Cooper added: "We're looking forward to opening our store on Saturday and we're looking forward to welcoming our customers."