THE opening of Hexham’s new Co-op has prompted an unexpected cash boost for a group of allotments holders in the town.

New store manager Dan Thompson, from Crawcrook, handed over a £1,000 goodwill donation to members of the Quatre Bras Allotment Association as the new store on West Road opened its doors last Thursday.

The £600,000 investment in the former Broadway Garage site, which was also used as a lighting showroom in more recent years, has created 18 new jobs.

Youngsters from St Mary’s First School in Hexham were invited to cut a ribbon and declare the branch officially open.