Shoppers enjoyed a sweet jazz sound as they browsed around a new Canvey store during its official opening.

Alldays, in Linden Way, staged its launch day on Saturday and invited Big Al's jazz band to keep people entertained.

Also on hand at the supermarket was Dingle the clown while youngsters were able to play on a bouncy castle and have their face painted.

Older customers could take advantage of a free prize draw to win a Playstation video games console and get newspapers for half price.

John Ridgley, area manager of regional development company Saxon Convenience Stores, said: "We are delighted to be opening the Alldays store on Canvey.

"We were really looking forward to the chance to meet many new customers at the launch."

Store manager Michelle Edwards leads a team of 11 full and part time workers at the supermarket which is now open from 7am to 10pm every day.

All jazzed up - shoppers were given all day entertainment at the new Canvey store

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.