Auntie Anne's opening in The Liberty Shopping Centre

Auntie Anne's welcomed customers to its 37th UK store in the Liberty Shopping Centre on Saturday (August 31).

Romford residents crowded around the store - opposite Three and Select - to get their free pretzels and a glimpse of the Auntie Anne's mascot, Mr Twisty.

The new shop is opposite Select and Three (Image: Auntie Anne's)

The bright blue, walking pretzel was spotted high-fiving customers as they arrived.

The opening day started with a Giant Pretzel Pulling Ceremony at 10.45am, followed by freebies and a meet and greet with Mr Twisty.

Mr Twisty made an impression on younger customers (Image: Auntie Anne's)

Before the launch, The Liberty centre manager Tom Stobbart said: "We’re thrilled to welcome Auntie Anne’s Pretzels to The Liberty.

The giant pretzel coming out the oven (Image: Auntie Anne's)

"Auntie Anne’s brings a unique and delicious option to the centre and I’m confident it will quickly become a favourite among shoppers."

READ MORE: Auntie Anne's opening new shop at The Liberty Romford

The Auntie Anne's Romford team were ready to hand out freebies (Image: Auntie Anne's)

The new Romford store will be the third Auntie Anne's to open in London since June.

Auntie Anne's sells sweet and savoury pretzels, as well as cinnamon sticks and pretzel hot dogs.

Customers got their pretzel fix (Image: Auntie Anne's)

It has seven more new shop openings planned this year across the UK and Ireland, including a new shop in Walthamstow, due to open on Saturday, September 7.

Lots of customers crowded round on opening day (Image: Auntie Anne's)