A new supermarket has opened its doors for the first time after a £450,000 investment and the creation of 20 new jobs.

The Co-operative food store in Horton Kirby, South Darenth, was opened on January 9 by pupils from Horton Kirby C of E Primary School.

Luca and Darah, both seven, cut the ribbon with a pair of giant scissors, alongside store manager, Rebecca Tormey.

She said: “South Darenth residents are passionate about their food and our new Co-operative food store will certainly reflect this.

"The store will be packed with modern and interesting meal ideas that, while quick and easy to put together, are sure to impress.

"Together with great offers, customers will be able to effortlessly create fabulous-tasting meals for themselves and their family and friends.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of our new store in Horton Kirby and as a community retailer we are looking forward to playing a real role in local life.”

The school will also receive a £200 donation for their help on the day.

The new 2,000sqft convenience store has stocks a range of the Co-op’s Truly Irresistible products, fresh and chilled produce, ready meals and a range of “free from” and wholefood products.

It also has an in-store bakery, an internal ATM and two self-scanning tills.

Heather Rohard, from South Darenth, a Co-operative Group member, brought the site of the old Horton Kirby Paper Mill to the community retailer’s attention via the business’ Suggest-a-site scheme, which encourages members to suggest potential locations for new stores.

The new store will be open from 8am to 10pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 8am until 9pm on Sundays.

For more information about the “Suggest-a-site” scheme or Co-operative membership, visit www.co-operative.coop/membership