The store opened as part of a new �25m shopping redevelopment in Bangor

Marks and Spencer won a battle with Gwynedd Council not to display a bilingual sign for its Simply Food brand, but then had a rethink.

It used the Welsh Language Board's free translation service for its signs.

"We're hoping that this will set the tone for our other stores," said James Bolton, M&S store launch manager.

The company got around the problem of translating their Simply Food trademark by not including it on the shopfront, which carries the Marks and Spencer name instead.

The hope is that by starting with something as simple as signage it will re-enforce the importance of the Welsh language Huw Tegid, Welsh Language Board

Linkline for Welsh from the Welsh Language Board (WLB) offers a free service for companies and business people who need signs translated from English into Welsh.

Huw Tegid from the Linkline said the WLB were anxious that more people knew about the service.

"It might be prohibitive for companies who are starting up to consider the cost of paying for translations, but this service is available for free.

"The hope is that by starting with something as simple as signage it will re-enforce the importance of the Welsh language and that bilingualism will become an essential part of their work in the future.

"The argument originally was that Marks should not have to have bilingual signs because other shops in Bangor did not.

Welsh producers

"That was a poor excuse and we hope now that this new shop will be setting the trend for others in the city," added Mr Tegid.

The new store, which opened on Thursday, provides 52 jobs on a full and part-time basis.

Earlier problems with flooding in the stores basement which held up building work has also been sorted out.