The news Central England Co-op store in Warsop marked its opening by making a donation of food and essentials to the Sherwood Forest Foodbank.

A foodbank collection point has also been installed at the store on Mansfield Road to support the work of the charity as it continues to manage increased demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The donation was part of the ongoing Central England Co-op Summer Food Bank Appeal to support families affected by holiday hunger.

Store manager Natalie Smith said the store team was looking forward to being part of the local community and to working with the foodbank to support people struggling from the impact of the pandemic.

“All of us here at the new store are proud to be part of such a great community in Warsop so we are delighted to be able to support Sherwood Forest Foodbank, which is offering a lifeline to vulnerable residents and people struggling in these testing times.”

The store, powered by 100% renewable energy, has created 15 new jobs.

To mark the launch and the school summer holidays there was a range of fun events on offer for local people to enjoy, including appearances by children’s favourite the Gruffalo, as well as face painting, bike repairs and advice from Inclusive Pedals, and more.

The ribbon to officially open the store was cut by Warsop resident Elaine Hopkins, recently awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for more than 20 years’ service as a volunteer for the Royal British Legion (RBL) and people in the ex-Forces community, as well as being the driving force behind the Big Poppy Knit.

That initiative raised £140,000 for the RBL as part of commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary since the outbreak of the First World War.

Natalie added: “It is great to finally open our doors to the local community as the team has been desperate to support our neighbours and ensure they can access food and essentials during the pandemic.

“It was lovely to welcome Elaine to help us cut the ribbon as a figure in the local community who has done so much to raise money for the Royal British Legion and was deservedly honoured with an MBE this year.

“It was amazing to welcome so many youngsters to enjoy the launch with us and take part in all the great activities and surprises we had on offer as a summer treat.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank local residents for their patience while we have been bringing the store to life.”