A County Durham convenience store has reopened after undergoing a two-month long refit.

Residents have been left pleased after the SPAR on Mendip Avenue in Chester-le-Street reopened this week after a two-month long refurbishment.

The new additions to the store include a Clayton Park Bakery, hot Food To Go unit, and a Fanta Frozen machine.

Following the refurb, the store has changed ownership after the retirement of longstanding independent retailer Gary Maddison.

Read more: Plans for two homes built on edge of County Durham village

Speaking on the opening, Fiona Drummond, Managing Director and Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd. said: “What a reception we had for our newly-acquired SPAR store at Mendip Avenue!

"With the crowds that gathered, I think it shows just how valued the store is by the local community it serves.

“We have invested to secure the store’s future and improve the offer for local residents. To hear the feedback from customers on the exciting new store features and the range of products we have makes me very happy. I’m proud to call Mendip Avenue a James Hall company-owned store.

“SPAR is like a family, and it was our pleasure to welcome previous owner Gary Maddison back to support the reopening alongside Cllr Paul Sexton.

“Gary served the local community with distinction for many years as a SPAR independent retailer. We wish him a long and happy retirement and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers in the manner that they are used to.”

Read more: Woman stabbed on Brougham Terrace in Hartlepool fighting for life

The store had served the community for nearly 20 years and Mr Maddison returned to cut the ribbon for its reopening alongside Cllr Paul Sexton.

The first 50 customers through the doors received ‘Tonight’s Tea for Free’ and residents queueing to get in the store were holding their ‘£5 off a £15 shop’ SPAR money-off coupons.

Trevor, a local resident who visit the SPAR store on relaunch day, said: “I live behind the SPAR and the store is much better after the improvements with a lot more range.

"I think the hot food counter and the new coffee machine will do very well. I will use it regularly as I know the staff.”

Read next:

As part of our Easter offer, readers can subscribe for £1 for 1 month, then £7.99 per month. Or annually for £67.00 (over 15% off) for 12 months, and then £79. 

For more quality journalism, subscribe to The Northern Echo here.

Suzanne, another store regular, said: “My first impressions are the SPAR is fully-equipped with everything that you would need under one roof, and I like the coffee offer.”

Adam, another local resident, said: “I shopped at the store before and the changes that have been made are great. It’s a good layout and is much brighter. I’ll be making use of the new features and I’m looking forward to shopping here again now it has reopened.”

SPAR has also agreed to work with Chester-le-Street Community Centre, and its new store will become a designated area for donating items for one of the local foodbanks operating in Chester-le-Street.