THE ribbon has been cut to open a new food store.

Co-op celebrated the opening of its newest food store in Salisbury Road, Andover, on Thursday after a £635,000 investment.

The opening was marked with an array of senior Co-Op management figures joining Test Valley mayor Councillor Carl Borg-Neal and mayoress Maria Neal.

The new store has created up to 20 full and part time jobs and will bring a funding boost for local good causes through its membership scheme.

Members receive a five per cent reward on the purchase of own-branded products and services, with a further one per cent benefitting local good causes.

Leigh Cull, Co-op store manager said: “We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant investment in Andover and are very proud to be part of this community."