A long-awaited convenience store has finally opened in Holmfirth.

Mid-market superstore giant Sainsbury’s opened a ‘Local’ 7-11 at the Riverside Shopping Centre, Holmfirth Market Walk, today.

The store, which will open seven days a week from 7am until 11pm, was opened by Deputy Kirklees Mayor Jim Dodds and his wife Carol.

The shop, which features an in-store bakery, ready meals, fresh fruit and vegetables, sandwiches and chilled beer and wine, will create 25 full-time and part-time jobs.

To celebrate the store’s opening, Sainsbury’s donated £100 towards a display case for a plaque to HMS Hero, a World War Two destroyer bought by the people of Holmfirth.

Store manager Dave Gee said: “As the new store manager of the Holmfirth Market Walk Local, I am extremely proud to be opening our new store today.

“Colleagues and I have been looking forward to delivering a great shopping experience for our customers and showcasing the great range of products we have on offer.

“I would like to thank our local mayor and mayoress who joined us today for the ribbon cutting, we hope to continue working closely with local community.”

Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney, said: “Having been a regular shopper at Lodges supermarket with my family in the 1990s, I welcome this long overdue investment in the Riverside Shopping Centre.”

Margaret Dale, chair of Keep Holmfirth Special which opposed Tesco’s failed bid to build a superstore off New Mill Road, was also in attendance at the store opening.

Ms Dale said: “We welcome Sainsbury’s to the Holmfirth business community and we look forward to them playing an active part in the life of the valley.”

The HMS Hero plaque will be displayed at Holmfirth Civic Hall remembering the enormous contribution – £7.5m in today’s money – towards the destroyer.

The original cash was raised through dances, whist drives, cash collection points and the purchase of Government Savings Bonds.

HMS Hero was engaged mainly on escort duties and in rescuing sailors from sinking ships in the Mediterranean.

She and her 145 crew are credited with assisting in the sinking of four U-boats.