Bakery firm Warburtons has linked up with Bolton Council and social enterprise Community Shop to open a ‘social supermarket’ in the town.

Community Shop Sunnyside will launch later this year and will house Community Shop’s Community Store, Hub and Kitchen.

The Store will provide discounted food and household essentials, including fruit, vegetables and bread for 20p.

It is being funded by Bolton Council and the bakery business, which is headquartered in Bolton.

“We have been part of the local community for 150 years and are incredibly proud to be able to help bring a new Community Shop to Bolton,” said Warburtons' executive director Brett Warburton.

“As a family business, we believe we have a role to play in supporting the people in our communities across the country.

“This new shop will offer much more than just food, and we hope it will become a central part of the community, connecting people and offering life changing support.”

Profits are being invested into its Community Hub, which delivers support and development programmes to the community.

The Community Kitchen at the site is a café to tackle social isolation, offer home-cooked meals and free food for children.

It is based in Great Lever, Bolton, which is one of the UK’s most deprived communities.

Community Shop executive chair Gary Stott said: “The impact of food insecurity goes way beyond just having enough food to support yourself and your family, which is why Community Shop offers much more than just deeply discounted food and household products.

“Thanks to the support of Warburtons we will be able to provide local people and families with a hand up rather than a hand out, with life-changing support through our Community Hub and Community Kitchen giving members the help and guidance they need to develop their own capabilities and feel empowered to deliver a positive future for themselves.”

Bolton Council leader Akhtar Zaman added that this community initiative will provide “real respite to families struggling with the cost-of-living pressures while revitalising an important asset for the community”.

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