SHOPPERS have welcomed the opening of an extended supermarket.

The 64,000 square foot Tesco Extra store, in Vernon Way, Crewe, has replaced the chain's smaller supermarket which was demolished in May last year.

The bigger store benefits from extended opening hours and offers customers a phone shop, Tesco Direct desk, pharmacy and cafe serving Costa coffee.

The store has been built on stilts to accommodate a car park underneath, while the extra floorspace means the store can offer a larger clothing selection, home and electrical departments and an electrical advice desk.

Staff welcomed customers into the shop yesterday with champagne, cake and orange juice.

Mother-of-one, Michelle Johnson, aged 30, from Sandbach, said: "This new store is a lot better than what was here before, the selection is a much greater and I think I'm probably going to shop here every couple of weeks.

"The car parking underneath the store is a fab idea, it means you'll never have to load the car in the rain again.

"I used to shop in Asda, but I think this new Tesco has won me over and I'm going to come here instead."

Grandmother-of-three, Debbie Stevenson, from Haslington, said: "I'm pleased to see the clothes section is really good, the last store had a pathetic selection of clothing.

"I'll come back again to see what the cafe and pharmacy are like, at least the parking is free, it saves paying for it at Asda."

Charlie Perry, aged 68, from Herbert Street, Crewe, said: "The store is very big and it's a bit difficult to get an idea of the lay out, but I'll figure it out as I use it more.

"I think older people should be made aware of the travelator at the entrance, I nearly went a cropper on it when I lost my balance.

"There's a lot of choice at this new store and it's handy because you can get your petrol and shopping at the same place."

The new 24-hour store has created 90 new jobs, bringing the total workforce to more than 300.

Shoppers had to make do with a temporary store just around the corner in Lockitt Street, while the new Tesco Extra was being built.

Local MP Edward Timpson and the Mayor of Crewe, Councillor Roy Cartlidge, were the guests of honour at the opening.

Mr Timpson, pictured left, said: "I welcome Tesco's investment in our local economy and the benefits it will bring."

Mr Cartlidge said: "I hope it brings another shopping experience for the people of Crewe and the surrounding area along with job security for all Tesco employees.

"I am impressed by the architecture of the new building; it's quite magnificent. It's more like a railway building than a supermarket."

To celebrate the opening, Tesco made a £1,000 donation to Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club which will be used for roof repairs and specialist equipment.

Opening celebrations will continue on Saturday, between 11am and 4pm, when the store will welcome Peppa Pig.

The free family fun day will include complementary face painting and a barbecue.