Pupils at a York school had a twofold treat, courtesy of a supermarket giant.

Staff and students from Huntington Primary School were guests of honour at the official opening ceremony for a new Tesco Express store.

As part of a goodwill gesture the store, in Huntington Road, Huntington, donated £500 to the school.

It was presented in cheque form by store manager Joe Scoot and his staff.

The opening and the donation were a happy contrast to recent local controversy about aspects of the store development.

Last week The Press reported that objectors to a cashpoint at the store look set to get their way.

Plans for the cashpoint, which have been recommended for refusal, are due to go before councillors at a meeting of the east area planning committee in the Guildhall tomorrow.

In a report due to go before councillors, development control officer Diane Cragg said: "In officers' view, disturbance will be caused by the noise of cars arriving, doors slamming, car stereos, voices from users of the ATM, car engines starting and revving and then setting off at a time when there is little other traffic or pedestrian movements."

In a subsequent email to The Press, Nicola Moorcroft, the clerk of Huntington Parish Council, said: "Isn't it funny how all of a sudden local residents are up in arms' about the construction of this store and all it's associated problems.

"However, when the initial application for planning permission was presented, residents couldn't possibly see how anyone could possibly object to such.

"Huntington Parish Council on several occasions brought to residents' attention apparent traffic, noise and parking issues, but local residents merely scoffed and proclaimed that having a convenient local store could only be a good thing.

"Only now when the reality has set in have they realised that maybe the parish council had residents' best interests at heart."

As part of the store opening celebrations, the pupils cut the ribbon to declare the new store officially open at 10.30am.

Following the official opening, the school's senior choir sang a few songs to welcome customers into the new store.

Mr Scoot said: "We are delighted to be able to offer our support to Huntington Primary School, and would like to thank the staff and pupils for agreeing to join us to officially open our new store.

"Myself and all the staff are looking forward to welcoming our customers into the new store, and we hope that Tesco will become a key part of the local community."

Staff at the new store chose to make the donation to the school as part of Tesco's commitment to supporting local communities.