The new store, based at former car parking space at The Greyhound pub in Whitemoor Lane opened for business immediately after the formal opening ceremony.

The store will focus on fresh, chilled and healthy foods, ready meals and essentials and also includes an in-store bakery, cash machine and dedicated car parking.

Stuart Humphris, manager of the new store, said: "We are thrilled to have a fantastic new food store with which to serve the Belper community.

"It is an exciting time for the whole store team. We believe it will be a real asset to the community."

The store is also to pioneer a new role, known as a "community pioneer", where a member of the food store team, Sylvie Doleman, will also work to foster involvement and participation in community activities.

Guy Wimshurst, Regional Operations Manager said, “I cannot thank Evan and the management team enough for today.

“I was 100% thrilled to think that they gave-up their time to come along to our launch. The event wouldn’t have been the same without them.

“I hope that in the future we can form an alliance that will help both Belper Town FC and Co-op Belper.

“Apart from mine (and Imogen’s) guaranteed support for the club on match-days please, let me know if there’s anything else myself, Stuart or the store can do to help the club in the future.