Schoolchildren helped open a new grocery store in Isleworth yesterday (Thursday, July 17).

Pupils from St Mary's Catholic Primary School and The Blue School, both in Isleworth, helped cut the ribbon at The Co-operative Food store, in South Street, in the morning.

They earned £100 for each of their schools in return for lending store manager Shahzad Afzal a hand unveiling the new convenience store.

Mr Afzal said: "We're excited about welcoming customers into our new store. The Co-operative is a community retailer and we are committed to playing a real role in local life.

"I'm delighted to welcome children from our local primary school to share in our special day, and to play a key role in the opening."

The new store, which will be open from 7am to 11pm each day, has a sales area of around 2,300sqft and includes and in-store bakery.

Sainsbury's is due to open a new local store at the old Barclays bank in London Road, Isleworth, which closed last month.

Tesco also plans to open a branch at the ARK Heating plumbing shop in Clifton Road, Isleworth, though residents have objected to the company's application for an alcohol licence.