THE sun was shining on hordes of Worcester shoppers as they eagerly awaited the opening of the city’s new supermarket.

Asda in Lowesmoor was officially opened at 10am yesterday and shoppers waited outside to be among the first to browse the food, clothes and homeware.

Cutting the ribbon at the grand opening was Paul McFarlane, of Belmont Street, off Rainbow Hill, who was nominated as a local hero following his work with local children in care.

The father-of-three, who served in the British Armed Forces for 23 years following a childhood spent in care, will also be helping to launch the Community Life initiative, which sees the business supporting local charities.

He said: “I am feeling a bit nervous. I have some of the children with me who I work with and they are all excited.

“There has been an absolutely great turnout this morning and I have had a look inside, it is very impressive.”

The superstore is part of the St Martin’s Quarter development and is built on the site of the old Hill Evans and Co vinegar works.

Mayor of Worcester Coun Dr David Tibbutt and his wife Jane said they were pleased to see the area being developed.

“It is fantastic how they have incorporated the whole building,” said Coun Tibbutt.

“Hopefully, this is the beginning of the renaissance of Lowesmoor.”

The arrival of the superstore has created more than 300 jobs, but the opening also celebrated the former vinegar works employees, who were invited down to check out the building, which has kept the factory’s cellars and used the Counting House as the entrance.

Maurreen Lee, of Tolladine Road, worked in the building about 40 years ago.

She said: “It is absolutely beautiful. I will be doing my shopping here.

“They have left part of the old building and that is important.

"The building has been in Worcester for years and a lot of people were only young when they first worked here.”

But not everyone was there to check out the architecture and with a fresh pizza counter and bakery, a cafe, pharmacy, photo centre and large George section on offer it was no surprise local people popped in just to take a look and nab a bargain.

Freda and Thomas Gale were among the first shoppers. They said: “We came down to see what they have on offer and to have a nose, really. It looks very nice.”

Mrs Gale said she was excited about the opening. “I couldn’t wait to get down here this morning,” she said. “We will be coming back.”

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