SHOPPERS had their trolleys at the ready as doors opened at a new-look Droitwich Spa supermarket.

Morrisons closed the former Safeways store, Covercroft Road, for six days to give it a multi-million pound make-over before re-opening on Thursday.

The company's 368th store not only promises an all new shopping experience for the town, which recently saw a new Waitrose store open, it has also created 17 more jobs.

The full and part-time jobs include an expert butcher, a fishmonger and more checkout and warehouse staff.

General manager John Deacon and staff officially opened Morrisons with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

"The team has been working very hard and has been looking forward to welcoming customers. Over the past weeks they have been working night and day to ensure that we are able to deliver Morrisons' exceptionally high standard of quality, value and customer service.

"It means more than just a new name above the door. We are confident that the new format will ensure that Morrisons becomes a favourite for shoppers in Droitwich."

The Droitwich store was the latest Morrisons conversion since its 2004 takeover of Safeways and includes a new pie shop, butchery and fresh fish counter as well as an improved bakery, salad bar and range of flowers.

Waitrose, part of John Lewis Plc, opened on Saltway earlier this year and marked the beginning of a commercial boost for Droitwich.

Salters Shopping Centre is currently creating three new units close to Morrisons' entrance in the centre, two of which are already earmarked for a new Argos store and a Carphone Warehouse.