A TESCO Express store has been officially opened in Walton.

Mayor Robert Bucke cut a ribbon during an opening ceremony in the High Street yesterday.

Community leaders welcomed the store, which has filled the site left by Woolworths after it closed in December last year. The Woolworths store was one of the only national chain stores in the town.

Mr Bucke said: “Opening an express store here may be a small step for Tesco, but it’s a giant leap for Walton. It’s wonderful news to think a multinational company wants to come here.

“People have been travelling out of Frinton and Walton to go to multinational chains in Clacton.

“The town council has worked hard to develop Walton and its market, and are delighted to see Tesco join the renaissance of the town.”

The town council had called for an old-style shop front for the store to keep in with the town’s conservation area, but planning permission was given for a modern shop front.

Tesco donated £500 to the Walton Community Project.