THERE was a buzz of excitement in Southampton in July 1977.

Opening its doors for the first time was a new state-of-the-art Sainsbury's supermarket in Lordshill.

And this week, long-serving staff who were present at the grand opening have been celebrating the store's 30th birthday.

Phil Davy, now the store's petrol station manager, remembers the air of anticipation among queues of shoppers waiting for the flagship Sainsbury's to open.

He said: "There was a real buzz around Southampton. Everyone was excited as it was purpose-built and very prestigious.

"At the time I think it was the biggest store of its type in the area and the opening itself, dare I say it, was a bit chaotic."

Phil, Pat Richards, Sue Soffe and June Dugdale have worked at the supermarket since day one.

Together they have seen the store grow to include a petrol station and extra storage facilities.

When it was built, it was one of the first Sainsbury's in the country to offer such a broad range of products.

It included a DIY section, family clothing, a deli counter and a fresh bakery. It also featured a large frozen food section.

Shoppers in 1977 would have expected to pay just 12.5p for a can of tomato soup compared to 54p today.

But the main change, according to personnel manager Debbie Farmery, seemed to be the increase in technology in the industry over the last three decades.

She said: "Computers barely figured 30 years ago. In my mind, Internet shopping has been the biggest change - it has revolutionised the way people shop."

She added that there were more than 40 current members of staff who had worked in the supermarket for 25 years or more.

"They are a very hard working and loyal bunch and a great team," she said.

"There is a lot of camaraderie running through the staff and it's a real family environment here."