PUPILS from a north Durham school enjoyed a VIP engagement when they were invited to open a supermarket.

The children from South Stanley Primary School were asked to open the North Eastern and Cumbria Co-op's new Welcome store in the town's Tyne Road.

To celebrate the re-launch of the former Alldays store, staff presented the pupils with £100 worth of gift vouchers for the school.

The Co-op has invested £172,000 in redeveloping and modernising the shop.

Non-food lines have been introduced for the first time and other ranges have been increased.

The Co-operative Group acquired the Alldays convenience store chain at the end of 2002.