JOBLESS gardener David Wise got an early Christmas present at the launch of a Tesco superstore yesterday.

Mr Wise, 43, waited from 6pm on Sunday night to make sure he was the first customer through the doors of the Tesco store in Newton Aycliffe.

When he was presented with £100 worth of shopping vouchers by store manager Gary Conway, he immediately spent it on Christmas presents for his daughter Sam, nine, who has learning difficulties and is a pupil at Whitworth Hall Special School in Spennymoor.

Mr Wise, who was laid off four months ago from a council gardening job, said: "I was worrying what to do for Christmas.

"This is brilliant. It is a fantastic store and I spent the vouchers on a compact disc player and stuff which I'm putting away for Christmas."

Mr Wise, who lives in Guthrum Place, Newton Aycliffe, was helped with his overnight marathon by a friend, Donna Appleby, who brought him turkey sandwiches and cakes.

Tesco staff also lent their support and kept him supplied with cups of tea yesterday.

The store was launched in a ceremony that featured the Tees Valley Cougars Cheerleading Squad, the Mayor of Great Aycliffe Town Council Malcolm Iveson and the Mayor of Sedgefield borough George Gray.

Tesco manager Gary Conway also presented a cheque for £1,000 to Walworth Special School for play equipment.

Mr Dawson said: "This will be a fantastic boost to our fund. Donations are always very welcome and ensure that the best of education and care is given to our children."