Grand Central opening: Pictures from Birmingham's newest retail centre

The doors opened to the public at 10:00 BST, when hundreds of people streamed into Grand Central

An estimated 54,000 people flocked to the opening of Birmingham's Grand Central shopping centre.

Queues formed as the five-year wait to see the complex above the newly renovated New Street rail station came to an end.

Shoppers took in the largest John Lewis outside of London, but not all retailers were ready to open on time.

Centre management said those stores would open their doors "very shortly".

Barriers were erected to control the crowds visiting the new centre. Shoppers began gathering outside at about 08:30

Outlets in the centre include a department store, a bar and a number of restaurant

Centre manager Jonathan Cheetham said: "Some of [the shops] haven't managed to get over the line by today but very, very shortly they will be opening.

"It's a disappointment for some of those businesses but they are doing the very best they can to get into Grand Central as quickly as they can."

He said some of the businesses in Grand Central were local independents and the centre had given Birmingham the shopping experience it deserved.

Conrad Francis and Anthea Larkins travelled from Lichfield for the opening.

"We came into Birmingham on Monday and saw that the station had reopened so we thought we'd come into today for the opening.

"It all looks great. It's come together now and all makes sense."

Navneet Kang from Birmingham said: "I just wanted to have a look around really. I think it's going to be quite popular here and good if you're on the train. I think more people will come to the city because of what's here.

"I'm amazed they've finished it all though."

Conrad Francis and Anthea Larkins travelled from Lichfield to make sure they were among the first people to go into Grand Central

Pauline Kelly (left), now from Chesterfield, used to be a student in Birmingham and is impressed with Grand Central. Luke Bridges and his grandmother Jean said it was 'great' and 'brilliant'

Pauline and Frank Kelly from Chesterfield travelled to Birmingham for the opening.

"We've watched Birmingham change all through the years from our college days until now and it's just what Birmingham needs.

"It's my favourite place to shop outside of London and this is fantastic. The city is much better than Manchester and it deserves this. It is the second city. I'm a big fan," said Mrs Kelly.

Jean Bridges and her grandson Luke - who had a teacher training day - from near Derby went to see the new shops.

Mrs Bridges said: "It's brilliant. Really great.

"We've literally just walked in and come straight to the new shops and my first impression is it's fantastic. Luke's being doing his selfies and I think my granddaughter will be coming with me next time".

Birmingham's New Street station and the shopping centre above it have been transformed