Paralympic discus champion Josie Pearson helped to ’launch’ the Co-op’s new-look food store today.

The gold medallist from Hay on Wye – who broke the world record three times at London 2012 and who has since switched to hand-cycling in a bid to make the podium in Rio – cut the ribbon at the Newport Street Co-op, Hay, following its £710,000 major makeover.

Twenty new retail roles have been created at the Co-operative food store which will see a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and food-to go. New refrigeration will enhance and increase its range of chilled meat, dairy, beers, wines and, frozen products. And, a new local deli and bakery range will be introduced.

Mark Jones, manager of the Co-op’s Hay-on-Wye store – who has been with the business for almost 40 years, said: “It is a fantastic way to start the year. With 20 retail roles created and a more than £710,000 investment to transform the store it really is an exciting time for the whole team.

“The Co-op is investing to transform its stores and deliver a consistently great shopping experience for customers, we are working to tailor the store to meet the needs of the community and to be a real community hub. I would like to thank customers for their understanding during the programme of works, and we really are looking forward to welcoming them into their new-look local Co-op store.”

The store also introduces a free home delivery service for customers spending over £25 on groceries in store – the scheme allows members of the community to do their shopping in store but removes the challenge of carrying it home by delivering the groceries to the door at a time to suit. Where it has been introduced elsewhere it is of particular benefit to parents of young children, the elderly, disabled or, those without transport.

The store also re-launches its Community Pioneer role where members of the food store team, Colin Edwards and Gareth Ratcliffe, also work to foster involvement in community activities, from local fundraising initiatives and working with local schools, charities and voluntary organisations to make a difference locally.

The Co-op is the fastest growing non-discounter food store according to latest retail data released by Kantar Worldpanel (issued 9 February) - the community retailer has grown its Loved by us and Truly Irresistible own-label sales by 7%, with sales of fresh and chilled produce growing fastest. As consumers increasingly shop little and often, the Co-op is also confirmed as the most frequently visited major supermarket.

There will be offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its re-launch. Students – who hold a NUS extra card – also receive a 10% discount off their groceries in store.

The Co-op has also announced a £125m investment in lowering the price of everyday essentials – a move which has seen it prune the price of over 100 lines of fresh fruit and vegetables including revolving offers on popular fresh produce, known as “fresh three”.