The Co-op is set to serve-up a new food store in Ross-on-Wye this summer, with the near £500,000 investment creating up to 15 jobs.

The new food store – located in Overross Street - is set to open in early August.

The Co-op is recruiting locally now, looking for people with a passion for food, customer service and community.

A funding boost for local causes will also be delivered by the Co-op’s latest store - Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to local causes.

Erin O’Mahony, Co-op Area Manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in Ross-on-Wye - we are proud to have the chance to become part of the community, and our ambition is to ensure our store is a local hub, a real asset locally.

“We are investing in our people, stores, products, prices and communities – our aim is for our store to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together and offering great quality products, when and where our members and customers need them.

“We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the community. Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they raise much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”

The Co-op – which won the title of Convenience Retailer of the Year at the latest Retail Industry Awards – has this year unveiled a £50M price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names.

There will be offers and promotions in and around the new store to mark its launch.

Students and apprentices in the area holding the NUS extra card receive a 10% discount off their groceries to support them during their studies.

Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership is available by visiting: http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/