THE Co-op has acquired the village supermarket and post office, in Snaith, near Selby, for an undisclosed sum.

Bosses at consumer-owned Co-op said the acquisition would create more jobs and an enhanced service.

The Market Place supermarket, previously trading as Priory Stores, opened for business as a Co-op yesterday.

All nine staff have transferred to the Co-operative Group and extra staff are expected to be recruited as opening hours are extended as part of a £250,000 revamp.

The Co-operative Group's regional chief officer, Graeme Ross, said it would be offering customers a more comprehensive range of products, competitive prices and a customer loyalty dividend card scheme.

He said: "We are making a significant investment in Snaith and look forward to serving the village with the best in modern community shopping."

Updated: 11:29 Saturday, January 25, 2003