A NEW £615,000 food store has opened its doors.

The new Co-op store in Durham Road, Bowburn was officially opened last week, with children from Bowburn Infant and Nursery School cutting the ribbon.

Bowburn does not have a large supermarket and, at present, villagers face a five-mile journey to their nearest large supermarket.

The new store includes a bakery and self-service tills as well as fresh and chilled foods.

Store manager Deborah Bradley said: “We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant investment in Bowburn and are excited to have the opportunity to serve the community.”

Terry Johnstone, Co-op area manager, said: “Our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub, a real asset for the community”.