LOCAL children helped cut the ribbon at Oxfordshire's newest Co-op, near Abingdon.

The food store in Kingston Bagpuize has been opened after nearly £550,000 was invested in the development.

Children from Southmoor Pre School attended the ceremony and declared the new store open to serve the community.

Co-op says 15 jobs have been created by the store's opening, with positions still available. 

Located in Witney Road, the Co-op brings a funding boost for local causes through the Co-op’s Membership scheme.

The new Co-op includes a Costa coffee dispenser and in-store bakery, alongside its range standard range of food and essentials.

Store Manager Kieran Pollard said: “We are looking forward to welcoming members and customers into their new store. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in Kingston Bagpuize – we have had a great response.

"We are proud to be part of the community, and are committed to ensuring our new store is a local hub, a real asset locally.”

Abdul Wahid, the Area Manager for the Co-op, added: "Connecting communities and bringing people together is at the core of the Co-op’s efforts, and we also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the community.

"Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they are raising much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”

Another Co-op is due to open in nearby Southmoor in spring 2019.