Dartford residents have welcomed a new addition to the community after Co-op opened its new £790,000 store.

The supermarket in Old Field Place provides 11 full and part-time jobs.

As well as its range of groceries, ready-to-go hot foods and award-winning wines, the store also contains an in-store bakery, Costa Coffee machine and an ATM.

Local causes will also benefit from the store as those who sign up for a membership will not only enjoy a five per cent reward when purchasing own-brand products, but will see Co-op donating a further one per cent to organisations such as Home Start UK and Wilmington Scouts.

Co-op area manager Laura Parry said the company's ambition is to make sure the store acts as a "local hub for people living in the area."

"Our members make a difference locally and simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us, they are raising much-needed funding for organisations who contribute to improving local life," she said.

Store manager Brian Carter said: "We are delighted to have undertaken such a significant investment in Dartford and are very proud to be part of this community."

Students may also be happy to know that there is a 10 per cent discount if you hold an NUS card.