A SUPERMARKET has officially opened a new community room to give local groups space to meet.

Pat Glass MP and store manager Gary Ewart cut the ribbon to unveil the new community room at the Tesco Extra store on Genesis Way in Consett.

The space, offered by only four Tesco stores across the country at present, is designed to give local organisations, church and community groups a place to use.

Groups can apply to use the room free of charge, with a kitchen area and even computers made available.

Among the first organisations to use the room is a local breastfeeding support group.

Mr Ewart said: "Having worked at the previous Tesco in Delves Lane for the past three years I have always been impressed by the community spirit here in Consett and the impressive amount of charity work undertaken by local people.

"We are pleased to open our community room and in turn give something back to the community. I am sure it will be well supported and well used."

Pat Glass added: "It is expensive for community groups to pay for room hire locally and we know times are tough.

"We need community champions and it is fantastic to see Tesco investing in the local community".