A new supermarket is due to open in Portishead today (Thursday).

The Co-op has spent almost £1million on overhauling the former Costcutter in Avon Way ready to offer shoppers a new food store in the town.

It will unveil its new look today, which includes an in-store bakery, along with the normal everyday essentials.

Robert Clabon, the new store’s manager, believes the supermarket will be a big success in the town.

He said: “We are thrilled to have made such a significant investment in Portishead – it is an exciting time for the whole team to be involved in the launch of the Co-op’s newest store and we are already getting a great response from the community.

“The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum; our ambition is to establish the store as a local hub, a real asset for the community.”

The Co-op says 15 new jobs are being created off the back of its investment.

The group believes good causes in Portishead and surrounding areas will also benefit from the new store through its membership card.

The scheme allows shoppers to earn discounts, but one per cent of the cost of Co-op branded items will be donated to West Country organisations.

The initial beneficiaries will be Pill-based Penny Brohn, Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue plus South West Scorpions – a wheelchair basketball club which trains in Portishead at Gordano School.

Greg Yuill, area manager for the Co-op, said the scheme should mean everybody benefits.

He said: “We are delighted to have a new store to serve the community.

“We also want shoppers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op.

“We are also giving back to the community – our members can also make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they can raise much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”

Upon announcing plans for the store in March, the Co-op said it was aiming to open 100 new supermarkets across the UK in 2017.