SOMERFIELD is investing more than £700,000 in its Thirsk store and creating ten new jobs as part of a nationwide investment of £70 million.

The store, previously a Kwik Save, has undergone extensive refurbishment and will be opened at 9am on Wednesday by children from Fulfen County Primary School, who received a donation of £500 from Somerfield towards their book fund.

The revamp included complete redecoration, with extra lighting and vibrant colours, giving the store a bright, fresh, modern appearance, said a Somerfield spokesman, adding that it will offer a range of quality fresh foods, a new bakery, hot food to go, an award-winning wine selection and an extended core grocery range.

Store manager, Steve McGowan, said: "We are really pleased with our new look store and I am confident that our customers will be delighted with the improvements."

Updated: 10:02 Friday, May 14, 2004