Youngsters take on star status at store re-launch

Formerly a Somerfield's the Co-operative Group invested around 275,000 to convert and transform the store.

The conversion is part of the Group's 1.56 billion acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain last year.

After performing the ribbon cutting ceremony, to mark the occasion, the youngsters from St Peter & St Paul's were presented with a donation of 200 for school funds by store manager Paul Scarlett, who said:

"As The Co-operative is very much a community retailer it is appropriate that our local school is involved in our special event. We are delighted pupils are playing a central role in the re-launch of our store."

The store will offer fast one-stop shopping with a new emphasis on fresh foods including a wider choice of bakery items. There will also be more family value products and packs.

Paul said it will bring a new era in food shopping to the local community and secure the existing 22 jobs:

"We are proud to serve the local community and this substantial investment in the store means we can now provide a much enhanced service. Customers are welcoming the changes and benefits shopping at

The Co-operative brings, including our ethical trading policies which underpin our product ranges, thousands of price reductions on key lines across the store and our cash back dividend scheme.

"At a time when consumers are looking for both value and values in business, The Co-operative has become even more relevant and distinctive. We will meet all the community's daily food shopping needs and, in the best traditions of The Co-operative, make our contribution to community life."