Three local primary schoolchildren have unveiled the new Waitrose & Partners shop in Evesham, which opened on the same day as their birthdays.

Tai Camadoo, who turned seven on Thursday, Penny Upton, who turned eight, and Nathan Koziol who turned nine, joined branch manager Claire Roumph, the Mayor of Evesham, Cllr Mark Goodge, the chairman of Wychavon District Council, Cllr Tony Rowley, and the Leader of Wychavon District Council, Cllr Bradley Thomas to cut the ribbon on Thursday and mark their special days.

The new shop includes thousands of food and drink products, including its new Christmas range ready for the festive season. It also has a cafe and a John Lewis ‘click and collect’ service for online purchases.

The retailer will be launching its Community Matters ‘green token’ initiative which will see £1,000 shared between three local good causes every month.

The store has created 100 jobs, most of whom are local to the Evesham area – with roles ranging from supermarket assistants through to hospitality and specialist positions.

Cllr Thomas said: “We are delighted to welcome Waitrose & Partners to Evesham town centre and we know that this will result in further confidence and investment in the town.

"This boost to the economy and the creation of jobs combined with a financial return to the council is why we chose to invest in this store.”

Claire Roumph, branch manager, said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate opening our new shop alongside Tai, Penny and Nathan and we’d like to wish them a very happy birthday.

"We’re looking forward to playing our part in Evesham, selling delicious food and drink and supporting local charities through our community initiatives.”