Shoppers will now be able to enjoy a hot pizza counter, an express diner and a wider selection from a larger bakery at the new and improved Asda in Gravesend.

The 62,000 sq ft superstore in Thames Way, was reopened by Gravesham mayor Cllr Mick Wenban on Thursday, after it temporarily closed while work took place.

As well as shoppers it was also a good day for children from Lawn Primary School in High Street, Northfleet.

Youngsters were given a £500 cheque by the store to pay for equipment they need to enter the National School Choir competition at London's O2 arena.

The opening also marked the first use of the store's community room, which is a space that can be booked by local groups, charities and committees, free of charge.

Carers First, a group based in Gravesend, were the first to feel the room's benefit.

Asda store manager, Matt Hughes, said: “It’s great to fully open our store to the people for Gravesend and for our customers to be able to experience the newly remodelled space.

“As part of our commitment to placing the community at the heart of what we do, it was also fantastic to make a donation to Lawn Park Primary School, so that its choir can enter a national competition.

"They’ve already performed in-store several times and I think they’ll certainly be one to look out for the event in the O2.”

Asda Gravesend is open 24 hours a day from 7am on Monday until 10pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

To book Asda's community visit: www.asdacommunityroom.com/store/gravesend.