The Co-op has opened its newest food store in Chester following a £740,000 investment creating 20 jobs.

The store, in Christleton Road, will bring a funding boost to local community groups through a membership scheme.

Members receive a five per cent reward on purchases of own-branded products, with a further one per cent benefitting local good causes.

In April, more than £9m was shared among more than 4,000 causes UK-wide.

Until this Wednesday, anyone joining as a new member of the Co-op at the Christleton Road store will be entered into a free prize draw, with a chance to win one of five prizes of £500, plus a further £100 to donate to one of three causes supported by the store.

Causes initially benefitting at Christelton Road store are: Mollington, Backford and District Village Hall; Hoole Community Development Trust (Hoole Community Centre/Community Café); and, Friends of Chester and District Samaritans.

Store manager Mike Williams said: “We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to have made such a significant investment in the area.

“We have received great feedback, a fantastic response locally. It’s an exciting time for the whole team to be involved in the launch of Co-op’s newest store.

“Our ambition is to establish the store as a local hub, a real asset for the community.

“We are also giving back to the community. Our members make a difference locally simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they can raise much needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life.”