STARBUCKS is due to open its very first coffee shop in Worcester city centre.

A sign, saying 'Starbucks Coffee Opening Soon' has gone up at the former Support the Arts unit on the Cross.

The comes only four months after the Seattle-based coffee chain denied rumours that a shop was planned for the city centre.

Previously, people looking for a cup of their favourite blend from Starbucks had to travel as far as Weavers Wharf Retail Park, Kidderminster, Hopwood Service Station in Redditch or on Ashchurch Road in Tewkesbury, although there is a small outlet at Worcester University's Castle Street campus.