Staff at Accrington’s new 24-hour Tesco superstore made a grand gesture to local good causes to celebrate its opening.

The long awaited £32 million Eagle Street store opened on Monday morning, with £1,000 donated to good causes.

It was officially opened by Mandy Rawstron, the inspirational mum from Clayton-le-Moors who lost her youngest son soldier Jason in Afghanistan two years ago.

Mandy, of Barnes Street, won the competition to nominate a local hero to cut the ribbon.

Since Jason’s death she has worked tirelessly to raise money for Help for Heroes. Not only has Mandy been the mainstay of the fundraising but she has also managed to help with sending over 150 parcels to troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

As her prize, she was chauffeur driven in a limousine and treated to a champagne breakfast, received £250 for her chosen charity Help for Heroes, and £200 in store vouchers.

She said: "It was brilliant and I was in a bubble all day. I would just like to thank all the girls that nominated me.

"I can now get all the shopping in for Christmas."

Store manager Peter Millar said: "It was a pleasure to have Mandy open the new store, her fundraising efforts and commitment to such an important cause demonstrate what fantastic people we have living in Accrington."

Two donations were also made to the Mayor of Hyndburn Charitable Fund and Maundy Relief, represented by Lucy Leoni and Helen Bishop.