A NEW Co-op store in Somerset has been opened by Michael Eavis.

The shop has been opened by the festival legend in no better place - Pilton, which hasn't had a village store for more than a decade.

The new Co-op, in St Mary's Lane, was officially opened on Friday, July 3.

Twelve new jobs have been created within the shop, which is part of the Working Men's Club. The shop also houses the Post Office.

Michael Eavis, Glastonbury founder, said: “When I was a small boy living in Pilton there were four shops – my favourite one was called Strickies, which sold sherbet in sticks of liquorice for one penny each.

"One by one, each shop was closed, the last one in 2012 following the village Post Office a year earlier.

"We managed to resurrect the Post Office in the Working Men’s Club building and, thanks to the Co-op, will remain there for the good of the village for years to come.

"It’s such a terrific thing to get these two most important parts of village life back again.

"Thanks so much for all of those who put in the spade work to make this happen bang in the middle of this wonderful village of ours.”

Pilton’s Co-op is also set to provide a funding boost for local causes including Evercreech Sports Club, Friends of Ditcheat School and Somerset and Wessex Eating Disorders Association (SWEDA) through its Membership scheme.

It will be open from 7am until 10pm and runs on 100 per cent renewable energy.

Jo Whitfield, Co-op Food’s CEO, said: “Co-op’s arrival in Pilton is extremely symbolic for us and encapsulates the way in which our stores sit right at the heart of local communities. It’s wonderful to know that people living here will no longer have to travel to buy basic groceries and will also be able to enjoy the freedom that a full-time Post Office service brings. We’d like to thank Michael and everyone in the village for welcoming the Co-op so warmly.”

Vicki McLaurie, Pilton Co-op’s store manager, added: “We want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. Our Members help us to make a difference locally, raising money for local causes simply by swiping their Membership card when they shop with us.

“The Co-op experience is about getting closer to our members and customers, providing what they want, need and care about, conveniently. The additional Post Office services will also be of great benefit to everyone living here.”

The supermarket giant and the festival's relationship was strengthen in 2019 when Co-op was selected as Glastonbury's first retail partner, with a 6,000 sq. ft store set up on site.