FOOD giant Tesco showed its support for the local community when it opened the doors of its latest store at Ludgershall last week.

Readers of the Journal's sister paper, the Avon Advertiser, were asked to nominate a local charity they wanted to see receive the £500 donation from their new Tesco Express store, and Ludgershall Memorial Hall was drawn as the winning charity.

Mary Neve, treasurer of the Memorial Hall, went along with members of the fundraising committee to the store opening on February 7 and received a cheque for £500 from Glyn Waters, manager of the new Tesco Express.

The presentation was part of the launch ceremony, at which Mary cut a ribbon to declare the store, in Andover Road, officially open.

The Tesco Express replaces the One Stop store, which closed on Saturday, January 8, for four weeks to allow conversion work to be carried out.

Mr Waters said; "We would like to thank the people of Ludgershall for their support and understanding during the closure period and hope Tesco will become a key part of the community.

"We are delighted and honoured to welcome Mary and the team along to open our new store and offer our help in the upkeep of the Hall, a central part of the local community here."

Ludgershall Memorial Hall is the venue for local events and is a popular gathering place for all members of the local community.

The hall, which was built in 1957, is set to be refurbished and the committee have started a Restoration Fund for a new roof and to modernise the hall.

Mary Neve said: "We are delighted to be asked to open the new store and would like to thank Tesco for their support through this generous donation.

"It is through fundraising events, lettings and donations from the local businesses and community that we are able to continue to provide a venue for the local people to use.

"This year, we are looking to raise £350,000 in order to upgrade the hall and this money will be put towards our target, ensuring that this donation is something that will benefit the whole community."

The new Tesco Express store is part of a nationwide initiative by Tesco to provide quality and value on customers' doorsteps.

Tesco is increasing the number of Tesco Express stores, following requests from customers for smaller outlets conveniently located in their local communities.

Shoppers will also have access to a free cash machine.

Opening hours will be 6.30am till 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 7am to 10pm Sunday.