A BARNTON hero will become a star for the day when she opens a new food store following a £346,000 transformation.

The Co-operative store on Lydyett Lane is being redefined with a completely new look and will offer an entirely new shopping experience for customers when it reopens on November 7.

The in-store bakery is being increased and there will be an extended range of fresh produce, ready meals and pizzas.

Staff at the store are also receiving additional training to enable them to provide expert advice and to help inspire customers with meal ideas.

To celebrate the opening of the new store, staff have chosen local hero and Barnton resident Ruth Hunt to cut the ribbon and perform the official opening with store manager Dave Knight.

Ruth is being recognised for her tireless efforts organising events to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, and will receive a hamper packed with a host of products from the new store, including champagne and vouchers to spend inside.

In addition, the Co-operative Food is donating free fruit to children at Barnton Community Primary School and Rosebank School, as well as goody bags with special offers for residents.

Store manager Dave Knight said: “I’m excited about welcoming customers into the new Barnton store as local residents are passionate about food, and the new shopping experience has been tailored to really take this into account and provide our customers with everything they need to create inspirational and tasty meals.

“My dedicated and knowledgeable store team will be on hand to help them and make recommendations so it is easy for them to pick up delicious food conveniently.

“As a co-operative, our staff and members play an active role in the areas in which we trade, and the new store will embrace Barnton’s fantastic community spirit. 

“Customers will be able to find out what is going on locally, list their own events on a new calendar board and find out more about how The Co-operative’s Community Fund can benefit local groups.”

The store is currently closed while refurbishment work is being carried out.

A free minibus will take Barnton shoppers to and from the Co-operative Food store in Chesterway, Northwich.

The bus will leave the Barnton store at 10am, midday and at 2pm on Saturday, November 2 and Monday, November 4.