SCHOOLCHILDREN were the first to get a glimpse of a new food store in Shoebury Garrison.

Youngsters from neighbouring Hinguar School helped to cut the ribbon and declare the Sainsbury’s Local store in New Garrison Road officially open.

Store manager, Alison Yarnold, said: “There were customers queuing outside from 7am. Local businesses and residents have been supportive.”

Ms Yarnold presented Hinguar children with sports equipment as well as fruit and water bottles.

Viv Stephens, headteacher of Hinguar School, which recently moved into a new building on the Garrison from its former Victorian building in nearby Hinguar Street, said: “The children will thoroughly enjoy playing with the sports equipment they received this morning.”

Shoebury councillor Roger Hadley, said: “There were always retail developments planned at the site, and Sainsbury’s is a good company to occupy the unit.”

The first shoppers through the doors gave the store a thumbs-up. Joanne Neale, of Peel Avenue, Shoebury, said: “I shop at Sainsbury’s in Southend anyway, so opening a store here will definitely save me a journey. I’ll be using it a lot because it’s very handy for me.”

Chris Conway, 24, of High Street, Shoebury, added: “It’s perfect for the area, because there are a limited number of places you can go locally to buy food, and the stores that are nearby are more expensive than Sainsbury’s.”

The store will be open from 7am until 11pm every day.