HASLEMERE now has its very own Marks and Spencer food hall and cafe, which officially opened on Thursday last week with glasses of Prosecco all round so customers could join in the celebrations.

Store manager Abby Pockett said she had already received a warm welcome and was delighted the new M&S at Lion Green had created 50 new jobs, and included long-serving staff members from the Co-op which formerly occupied the site.

“I think Haslemere is a lovely town and I am really keen for us to support local causes as our nominated staff charities,” Abby (pictured) told The Herald.

“M&S has launched its own food redistribution scheme and I want to work with Haslemere Food Bank.

“Everyone at the Co-op was offered a permanent position at the store. Most have taken the offer up and we have one staff member who was with the Co-op for 40 years and one who has worked at Haslemere Co-op since it opened 32 years ago.”

M&S will retain the Lion Green Post Office branch until May 18, when the Co-op’s original runs franchise agreement runs out.

The Post Office has pledged to continue its search to find suitable alternative premises.

Mayor Melanie Odell told the town council on March 17 an interested applicant had just come forward and was due to meet with the Post Office shortly.