A Co-op store is opening in South Darenth – thanks to a woman who grew up there.

It is being built on the site of old Horton Kirby Paper Mill in Horton Road.

As part of the retailer’s Suggest A Site scheme, which encourages people to put forward ideas for store locations, customer Heather Rohard, from South Darenth, suggested refurbishing the mill.

She said: “I have very fond memories of a Co-operative Food store serving the village a number of years ago and when I spotted the old mill site I thought it was a wonderful opportunity for the community retailer to return.

“I am sure our new Co-op will be very well received, especially as older members of the community do find it harder to get to supermarkets in nearby towns.”

The store got planning permission in March and is due to be open by the end of the year, creating 18 jobs which will be advertised over the next two months.

Samantha Moore, regional acquisitions manager for The Co-operative Food, said: “This site is extra special to us because it was suggested by one of our own Co-operative members.”