Children from local schools joined MPs, councillors, company representatives and dozens of residents for the official opening of the junction.

The new sliproad between Chesterfield and Bolsover has been hailed as the gateway to the multi-million pound Markham Vale regeneration scheme.

The 200-acre business park is expected to bring 2,000 new jobs to the area and reverse the decline in the area brought about by the closure of deep mines, loss of textile jobs and reduction in heavy industry.

Planning permission for the construction of the site's first buildings has now been granted and Coun Williams says the site will have a massive impact on the lives of local people.

"We're celebrating the opening of a new motorway junction and a lot more besides," he said.

"Junction 29A is about improving the lives of local people and making the most of the opportunities we have to boost jobs, tourism, strengthen the local economy, tackle poverty and improve the health of local families.

"The new motorway junction has always been a vital part of the whole Markham Vale development and its opening is a major milestone."