A town centre has got its first supermarket, it is eco-friendly and it has a cash machine with 24/7 free withdrawals.

A new Co-op opened in Rochester yesterday.

It is just off Corporation Street, in the Rochester Riverside development complex, just a one minute walk from the train station.

The £600,000 store is complete with fresh fruit and vegetables, a Costa machine, a bakery section and household essentials.

As well as vegan and free-from foods meaning non gluten and lactose options.

The first shoppers were gifted a free mini bottle of prosecco. There may still be a few up for grabs.

Every day the store will be open from 6am to 11pm.

The new store runs on 100% renewable electricity and offers compostable bags as a more environmentally friendly alternative to those made of single-use plastic.

Co-op Store Manager, Laura Charles, said: “We have had a great response – we are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such significant in Rochester, it is exciting to be opening Co-op’s newest store and we are looking forward to serving the community.

"Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life, a community hub.”

Outside, a new cash point which gives free withdrawals will be operating non-stop.

Rochester has had problems with ATMs following the closure of NatWest and Lloyds Banks, both of which removed their outside machines.

"Our aim is to operate at the heart of local life, a community hub.” Store Manager, Lauren Charles

Other cash machines on the high street charge extra and the only free service is in the Visitor Information Centre which has limited opening hours.

The new store has created 14 new jobs.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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