PRIMARY school pupils helped to open the latest addition to the town centre.

Shoppers looked on as the youngsters, from Holy Rood Catholic Infant School, and store manager Debbie Jones cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare the Co-operative supermarket open.

The company, has created 22 new jobs for the town thanks to this new store, aims to provide a convenient and affordable option for shoppers who have previously had to walk further to buy their groceries.

Mrs Jones said: “I’m really excited. We have lots to offer customers and our location at this ends of town means that customers will no longer have to walk all the way into the town.

“We have plenty to offer people. We have good prices and promotions. Our bread and sandwiches are made every morning.

“There is a great range of products from groceries, wines and beers, newspapers and people can also get Lotto tickets.

“We are pleased to be able to add to the life of this end of the town.”

The official opening was seen as a big success.After helping with the opening the pupils, aged between five and seven, posed for pictures and were then given balloons and a tour of the shop.

Naomi Fry, assistant headteacher, said:“The children are really proud to be taking part in the opening.

“They are excited and it’s been a great day for them.”

Soon after the doors opened, shoppers started to flock into the convenience, which is based at the former Burger King restaurant, and had plenty of positive things to say.

Lyn Curwen, of Park South, said: “It’s great. Not everyone can make it down into town so it’s really useful.”

And Patricia Pocze agreed. “It’s handy and I like what I have seen so far. I just hope they keep it up,” she said.

Co-op is run by members, comprising of customers and staff and putting profits back into the community is a key philosophy – and it will be no different here.

George Smith, its operations manager, said: “We will be contacting schools in the area and encouraging them to take part in our Green Schools Revolution.

“We invite the children to our farm in Cirencester where we will teach them about all about food – from how it is grown through to healthy eating.”