A controversial Tesco store in Bourne End was finally opened this week, with the new team opening their doors to the community with a donation to the village sports club.

The Tesco Express, in The Parade, faced heavy criticism from some people in Bourne End, but after a drawn out planning process and complications with the development of the shop, they have now opened almost a year later than expected.

Tesco originally planned to open in March 2014, but were forced to re-apply for planning permission after making a number of alterations to their original plans.

Liz Hutton, from the Bourne End Junior Sports Club, and Sue Ambrose, from the Bourne End Community Centre, were invited to cut the ribbon, with the former also being presented with a cheque for £750.

The sports club supports over 500 people in the community and Mrs Hutton is hoping to use the funds to support a small group of the youngsters.

She said: “I would like to thank Tesco for this generous donation. The donation will go towards the cost of seven places for seven young people from our junior committee who are enrolled on a Young Leaders Course costing £100 each.”

Representatives of the Bourne End Community Centre, based behind the store, also attended the launch celebrations following support from the Tesco team over the Christmas period.

The store will be open seven days a week from 7am until 11pm, and has a cash machine, self-service tills, a bakery and a customer car park at the front of the store.