A red ribbon has been cut to mark the opening of a new supermarket and petrol station in Southend.
Supermarket giant Safeway has joined forces with BP to launch a mini-market and garage in West Street.
Eight-year-old Matthew Day performed the official opening ceremony with John Pearson, partnership operations director for BP and Safeway.
The Southend site is the eighth BP and Safeway joint venture to open its doors in the country.
The store will include a wide variety of different groceries at supermarket prices including fresh meat.
Motorists will also be able to lay their hands on everything they need for their car, with a full range of services available on the forecourt.
It's a snip - Matthew Day cuts the ribbon with his mum Tracey Manton. Left is manager Gary Cook, and right, John Pearson of BP/Safeway
Picture: STEVEO'CONNELL
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