Pupils from Ysgol Dyffryn Aman were among the guests of honour, cutting the ribbon to declare the Co-op’s newest food store open in Ammanford.

The new store, located in College Street on the site of the former police station, represents a £650,000 investment in the area and created five new jobs.

It includes a Costa coffee dispenser, in-store bakery and customer car parking, alongside its focus on fresh healthy foods, meal ideas, award winning wines and essentials.

The store also brings a funding boost locally through its Membership scheme – Members receive a five per cent reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the Co-op donating a further one per cent to local good causes.

The near 3,000 sq. ft. store has replaced the existing nearby Co-op to provide an “improved shopping experience to better serve the community”.

Michael Clark, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We have had a great response, and are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in Ammanford.

"The new store looks great, and will provide a much improved shopping experience.

"We are proud to be part of the community, and are enjoying welcoming our members and customers into their new store, it really is enabling the Co-op to better serve the community.”

The Co-op offers students in Ammanford, holding a NUS extra card, a 10 per cent discount off their groceries to support them during their studies.

Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership and, its local Community Fund, is available by visiting: http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/