The new Tesco Extra store in Wisbech opened this morning with a double charity donation and customer celebrations in store.

Cambs Times: Kevin Chestnutt with Nicole Cohen, designer of the bag.Kevin Chestnutt with Nicole Cohen, designer of the bag. (Image: Archant)

Wisbech & District Cancer Support Group and Wisbech Sea Cadets, both nominated to receive a £500 Tesco donation, were joined by MP Steve Barclay as the guests of honour.

Cambs Times: Eileen Wiles and Anita Barker, members of Wisbech & District Cancer Support Group, receive their groups cheque from Kevin Chestnutt.Eileen Wiles and Anita Barker, members of Wisbech & District Cancer Support Group, receive their groups cheque from Kevin Chestnutt. (Image: Archant)

Charity representatives and Mr Barclay then enjoyed champagne and cake with customers to celebrate the launch.

Cambs Times: MP Steve Barclay, cutting a cake to celebrate the opening, and Kevin Chestnutt.MP Steve Barclay, cutting a cake to celebrate the opening, and Kevin Chestnutt. (Image: Archant)

The honour of cutting the ribbon fell to 11-year-old Nicole Cohen from Leverington Primary Academy, who won a competition to design hessian shopping bags which were given to customers.

Cambs Times: Wisbech Sea Cadets receive their groups cheque from store manager Kevin Chestnutt.Wisbech Sea Cadets receive their groups cheque from store manager Kevin Chestnutt. (Image: Archant)

A children’s entertainer and Wisbech town beadle Alister Hopkins also entertained customers.

Store manager Kevin Chestnutt said: “We have really enjoyed our store launch celebrations and I would like to thank all of our guests and customers for joining us.”

Sean Moore, first lieutenant of Wisbech Sea Cadets said: “We would like to thank Kevin and his team for their generous donation.

“Our cadets will be thrilled that we are on target to refurbish one our boats, which is in need of a few repairs. We look forward to building on this relationship with our local Tesco store.”

Anita Barker, chairman of Wisbech & District Cancer Support Group said: “Tesco has always supported our group by allowing us to fundraise in store.

“We are delighted to accept this £500 donation and look forward to continuing our relationship at the new Extra store.”

More than 100 jobs have been created at the new store, which sits at the heart of the new Cromwell Park complex, in Cromwell Road. A cinema is also set to open on the site this spring.

The site of the old Tesco store, in Sandown Road, will be transformed into a retail park.

Councillor Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member responsible for the economy, said: “This is a development that is bringing huge benefits to Wisbech, including new restaurants, a top-class cinema and about £240,000 in extra investment that will go towards various regeneration projects in the town.”

Celebrations continue on Saturday when customers will be given the chance to win a share of £1,000 in gift cards from the Tesco Cash Cube in store from 11am-4pm. There will also be a free pancake making workshop on March 2.

Mr Barclay said: “It is welcome news that a national retailer like Tesco is investing in our community and that 108 new jobs have been created.

“This is a further step forward in developing a stronger local economy and offering shoppers new facilities.”

The new store offers a wider range of products and services, including an opticians, phone shop and Scan as you Shop service. It also benefits from extensive counters serving fresh meat, fish, pizza, a deli serving cooked meats, cheese and olives.

The store is open seven days a week, Sunday midnight to Saturday midnight and 10am-4pm on Sundays.

The petrol Filling station kiosk is open 6am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 7am-10pm Sunday. Pay at the pump is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.