'Social supermarket' for people on benefits opens in Grimsby

Work on a new 'social supermarket' – selling surplus food from manufacturers at reduced prices – starts today.

The Big Lottery Fund has awarded £600,000 for the project, on the Nunsthorpe Estate.

The shop, run by social enterprise Community Shop in the old science block of a former school, will be open to people on benefits.

Revenue raised will be reinvested in a community hub, giving members access to mentoring, advice, skills and business courses.

The area's MP Melanie Onn MP will mark the start of the building work on site today.

The Grimsby store follows similar shops in Athersley and Goldthorpe in South Yorkshire.

Ms Onn said: "It will help to provide low-cost, wholesome food, and will have a huge positive impact on the lives of the members and the wider community. It is brilliant to see local food businesses have pledged their support, and I am confident that Community Shop will flourish."