Grays celebrity Fatima Whitbread cut the ribbon on a £460,000 revamp of the Co-operative Food store in Grays last Thursday.

The state-of-the-art refurbishment has given the store a new look, newly trained staff who can give tips on recipes and cooking, and a “community pioneer” who will get the community involved.

The store will have a focus on meal ideas, essentials and healthy, fresh foods, with ideas and tips on every aisle.

The revamp has also created a bigger bakery and extended lines of fresh produce, ready meals and pizzas.

The Co-operative has promised the revamp will lower prices on hundreds of everyday essentials such as bread, milk and bacon.

Neil Bryford, Store Manager, said: “It was fantastic welcoming Fatima and the local community into the new store. The transformation is amazing, and I’m sure our customers will enjoy shopping in the new environment."

"The Co-operative is a community retailer, and we are committed to playing an active role in local life. The store will be a hub for the local community, and customers will be able to find out what is going on locally, and learn about how The Co-operative can benefit local groups.”