The Murco Petrol station in Oxford Road, Calne, added an extra string to its bow this week, by opening North Wiltshire's first forecourt off license.

Manager Jamie Punshon said: "No other petrol garage in Calne or Chippenham provides an off licence and we've opened ours, selling beers, wine and spirits, just in time for the barbecue season.

"The forecourt shop is already an important part of the community, offering groceries and other shopping 16 hours a day. Now, by offering an off licence, we're hoping to provide that extra service to our customers."

The Murco garage hit the headlines in July, 2002, when 66-year-old cashier Mary Giles was robbed at knifepoint.

The robber pushed Mrs Giles and threatened her with a knife, before snatching £60 from the till.

During the struggle Mrs Giles, who had only been working at the garage for four weeks, knocked the phone receiver from its handset and managed to quickly dial 999. But the robber cut the phone wire before escaping.