PUPILS from Netley Abbey Infant and Junior schools took on star status when they were invited to perform a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open a new Co-Op Welcome store in the village.

Store manager Jan Bunker presented the youngsters with donations of £150 for each campus to go towards school funds.

A Co-Op spokesman said: "As a community retailer it is appropriate that we involve the community in our special events and we are delighted our local schools are playing a central role in the relaunch of our store."

The former Balfour store in Victoria Road was acquired by the consumer-owned Co-Op last year and has been transformed by a £150,000 conversion to a Co-Op.

As well as its smart new look, the Co-Op says the store has a more comprehensive range to better suit the shopping needs of the community.