A Co-op food store which has been shut for eight months is finally re-opening tomorrow, May 23, after a £270,000 refurbishment.

The store, in Upper High Street, shut in September 2012 and a sign in the window announced it had closed due to "unforeseen circumstances".

A Co-op spokeswoman said the closure was only temporary, but in March, she said work on the site was "taking longer than initially anticipated" due to major structural defects being found.

This week, she said: "Following the need for structural work to the store’s floor, The Co-operative took the opportunity to totally redesign the outlet around an appreciation of good food, wine and modern cuisine."

She said there will be an increased range of products, improved ranges of fresh and chilled produce, and a wider choice of ready meals.

There will also be an improved range of 'free from' and wholefood products, more fine wines, and the store will have an ATM machine.

Richard Reeves, store manager, will be donning a butler’s uniform to provide a touch of silver service as he invites customers to sample cheese, bread, ham, olives, feta and chocolate cookies, at the 10am re-opening.

He said: "It’s the perfect way to say thank you to our loyal customers who have been most patient while the store has been closed so our re-fit can take place."