CHILDREN from Beacon Primary were handed a donation of �200 for school funds from the manager of an Exmouth shop which has re-opened after changing its brand.

Lee Cole, store manager of the Co-operative, formerly Somerfield, in The Magnolia Centre, presented the donation.

Pupils from the school visited the shop last week to take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, to launch the new Co-op branch.

The Co-operative invested �230,000 for the refit. Mr Cole said it would bring a new era in food shopping to the local community and secure the existing 62 jobs.

Mr Cole, speaking about the visit of school pupils, said: “The Co-operative is very much a community retailer it is appropriate that our local school is involved in our special event.

“We are delighted pupils are playing a central role in the relaunch of our store.”

Mr Cole added: “We are proud to serve the local community and this substantial investment in the store means we can now provide an enhanced service.

“Customers are welcoming the changes and benefits shopping at The Co-operative brings, including our ethical trading policies which underpin our product ranges, price reductions and our cash back dividend scheme.

“At a time when consumers are looking for both value and values in business, The Co-operative has become even more relevant and distinctive.

“We will meet all the community’s daily food shopping needs and, in the best traditions of The Co-operative, make our contribution to community life.”