TWO pupils from Burton Morewood Primary School became VIPs for the day when they officially opened a new Marks & Spencer Simply Food store at the Burton-in-Kendal service area on the M6.

Cassie Robinson, aged 11, and Henry Thompson, ten, cut a ceremonial ribbon to mark the start of trading at the store, which has created eight new jobs at the service area, operated by Moto Hospitality Ltd, Britain’s biggest motorway service area company.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Moto has adopted the school for support from its charitable arm, Moto in the Community Trust (MICT).

The children were accompanied by the school’s deputy headmaster Richard Wilson, who said: “We were delighted to be invited to take part in the store opening and all the Year Six children were very excited at the prospect. In the end the only way we could make choice fairly was to draw names from a hat.

“Moto has supported our school in many ways over the years. We are delighted to annually receive a range of fiction and non-fiction books that enhance our provision and we have been fortunate enough to receive a Community Grant to help towards play equipment in our outdoor areas.”

Moto’s retail Director Tim Gittins said: “We’re constantly looking at ways to increase the choice available to motorists who use our motorway service areas. As well as increasing variety, the Marks & Spencer Simply Food offering is the perfect solution for busy commuters who need to top up their weekly shop on their way home. And naturally we’re delighted that this investment has created more jobs for the area.”

The Burton store, which covers 1,200 sq feet is the 39th to be opened by Moto and will be open from 7am to 10pm seven days a week.