A supermarket gutted during the riots has reopened following a cash injection.

The Co-operative has invested £540,000 to refit its New Addington branch after looters set the building alight in August.

Pupils from Rowdown Primary School, who receieved a £200 donation towards school funds, joined store manager Kenny Tyler at a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Central Parade store yesterday (Thursday).

Mr Tyler said: “The Co-operative is a community retailer and we are committed to playing a real role in local life. It is fantastic that pupils from our local primary school can join us to share in our special day.

“It is important to all the members of staff here that we meet people’s needs, and we are looking forward to welcoming shoppers back after what has been a testing time for this local community."

The new store will feature a shopper-friendly layout, creating a pleasant experience for locals.

To celebrate the opening, The Co-operative staged a series of events and promotions and even had a green carpet for customers to enter the store to emphasise their environmental awareness.

Shoppers were also given the chance to win a number of prizes, including a holiday worth £1,000, electrical items and food vouchers.