THERE were celebrations at the Tesco Extra store in Royston on Monday – with a party of children from Chernobyl special guests. They officially opened the store s new extension, while Wood Green Animal Shelters in Heydon received a cheque Store manager St

THERE were celebrations at the Tesco Extra store in Royston on Monday - with a party of children from Chernobyl special guests.

They officially opened the store's new extension, while Wood Green Animal Shelters in Heydon received a cheque

Store manager Stuart Eyres said: "This is a new era for the store and we're looking to the future.

"But today is about the two charities involved. It was a great honour to have the children open the store.

"They have been through a lot in their short lives and it's a good chance to raise awareness for them.

"We are also passionate about Wood Green Animal Shelters, so to be able to present them with a cheque was good."

The new store has taken 31 weeks to complete and has extended its range of goods.

Mr Eyres said: "The store was just too small and at the weekends shopping was often difficult for our customers. Now they have more room and more goods on offer."

Tesco presented a cheque for £200 to the animal shelter, which only last year was threatened with the possibility of closure.

Sharon Evans, the shelter's director of fund-raising, said: "This is a generous gesture. We rely solely on support like this, and the money will help us greatly."

Shelter manager Gay Baxter said: "Over the last year Tesco has helped raise £2,500 for the shelter. It has been very supportive."

Friends of Chernobyl organiser Nicola Dunklin, who also works at Tesco, said: "The children have been made to feel really special.