A NEW food store is due to open next month in York city centre, creating 20 jobs.

The Co-op outlet in Paragon Street will form part of the development next to the Barbican Centre which also includes an aparthotel.

The store, which represents a £600,000 investment by the Co-op, will open on Thursday, August 11, with the official duties being carried out by children from the Funfishers Holiday Club.

It will offer an in-store bakery range, an ATM and a focus on fresh food meal ideas and essentials.

Lorraine Carter, a member of the food store team, will work to foster involvement in community activities. These can range from local fundraising initiatives to helping to understand and develop solutions to meet community needs, including support for the British Red Cross, the Co-op’s new charity partner, which will help to tackle social isolation and loneliness in local communities.

The store is also one of the first in the UK to bear the reintroduced blue clover-leaf Co-op logo.

Hayley Hirst, store manager, said: “We are thrilled to have made such a significant investment in York and delighted that we have a fantastic new food store with which to serve the community – it is an exciting time for the whole team.

“The Co-operative is a community retailer, and we are committed to playing an active role in local life, embracing the area’s community spirit.

“We are proud to be one of the first stores in the UK to display our new Co-op logo and I am confident we will provide the community with everything needed to pick-up delicious food conveniently and create inspirational and tasty meals at home.”