CHILDREN from Sholing Junior School helped open the new Co-op store in Itchen.

The new store, on Spring Road, replaces the previous location on Wodehouse Road and features an in-store bakery, hot food, Costa Coffee and self-service tills as part of a £2.5m investment.

Dan Barnes, Co-op store manager said: “We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant investment in Itchen and are very proud to be part of this community.”

Colin Hayward, Co-op area manager, added: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum, and our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub for people living in the area."