A COMMUNITY centre has received a boost with the opening of a mini-supermarket.

Liz Nesbitt, chairwoman of The Forge Community Resource Centre in Stockton, will be presented with a cheque for £500 when the Tesco Express Store opens in Norton High Street on Monday.

The store chose to make the donation to The Forge as part of Tesco's commitment to supporting local communities.

The Forge offers many services to local residents and has a registered playgroup, youth drop-in and activity clubs, after school and holiday care, family support and training courses.

There is also free Internet access via Stockton-on-Line.

Mrs Nesbitt said: "We have always received a tremendous amount of support from the local community and we are delighted to receive this generous donation from Tesco, which will be put towards the work we do, and ensuring the local community benefit from the money."