Pupils will open new Co-op store

Staffordshire pupils will perform a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially launch a new Co-operative store.

The former Somerfield store in Wardles Lane, Great Wyrley, has been converted to a Co-operative.

It follows the Co-op's £1.56 billion acquisition of the supermarket chain. Moat Hall Primary School pupils will be presented with £200 for school funds by store manager Richard Koziol at tomorrow's opening. "The Co-operative is very much a community retailer so it is appropriate that our local school is involved in our special event," said Mr Koziol.

"We are delighted pupils are playing a central role in the relaunch of our store."

The Co-operative has invested £500,000 to transform the Great Wyrley store and secure the existing 50 jobs. It is among the first to convert to a Co-operative.

The conversion marks the beginning of a two-year rebranding programme which will see all the Somerfield branches convert to Co-operatives.

There will also be lots of in-store activity on launch day and over the weekend, including product tastings and giveaways.

On Saturday there will also be cookery demonstrations while Santa will be paying a visit to entertain children.

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

"I am sure customers will welcome the changes and the 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.

"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," added Mr Koziol.

The new look store will have a more spacious, shopper friendly layout and offer new product ranges, with an emphasis on fresh foods, including an extensive Fairtrade range.

The store's popular home delivery service is being retained and upgraded.