YOUNGSTERS from Charford First School were the guests of honour at the official opening of the area’s Co-op after a £1million revamp.
The pupils got to cut the ribbon at the event yesterday and the school received a cheque for £500 from Co-op staff.
The new-look store was closed for five weeks while the work and improvements took place and has now almost doubled in size.
New jobs have also been created, taking the total to 17 full and part-time positions at the shop and Post Office counter which opens from 6am to 11pm everyday.
The shop will be providing a funding boost for local good causes through its membership scheme. Members receive a five per cent reward when buying own-branded products and services with the Co-op then donating one per cent to local good causes.
All customers have to do is sign up to the scheme and then they make a difference every time their membership card is swiped.
Jon Bottomley, Area Manager, said: “We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant investment in Charford, and proud to be part of the community – we have had a great response, and we are looking forward to serving the community.
“The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, and our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub and an asset for the community.”
There are offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its launch and students holding an official NUS card receive a ten per cent discount to help them during their studies.
Visit www.coop.co.uk/membership/ for more on the membership scheme.
