SCHOOLBOY Matthew Noble was elevated to celebrity status in his home town this week.

The eight-year-old was particularly popular among his school friends after winning a competition to launch a Co-op store in Houghton-le-Spring, on Wearside.

Matthew was chosen to perform the opening of the £5m town centre development after writing an essay explaining why he would like to be a VIP for the day.

His work was judged the best from those penned by pupils at Houghton's Burnside Primary School.

His reward included being collected at home by Rolls Royce for a chauffeur- driven journey to the Co-op, in Mautland Square, to cut a ribbon, before touring the 15,000sq ft supermarket.

Accompanied by older brother, Christopher, 11, as well as parents Gillian and Andy, Matthew was driven to Lumley Castle Hotel, in nearby Chester-le-Street, for lunch.

Matthew also called in at school to present part of his prize, £250, to Burnside Primary headteacher Tom Walker.

The school plans to spend the money on sports and play equipment.

Meanwhile, Matthew also won a £100 personal prize, which he used to buy computer games.

North-Eastern and Cumbrian Co-op chief executive Neil Arnold and store manager Chris Evans ensured that Matthew had a thoroughly enjoyable day.