A NEW supermarket opened in Pontllanfraith yesterday, creating 123 new jobs.

Employee Tony Owen, 62, was given the job of cutting the ribbon, recognising his 47 years working for the Co-op, who previously owned the store in Newbridge Trading Estate.

Mr Owen, of Orchard Court, Pontllanfraith, has continued his full-time job working at the petrol station now Sainsbury’s has taken over.

He has also worked in Co-op stores in Argoed, Markham and Blackwood, doing jobs ranging from administration to store manager since starting in 1962.

Mr Owen, who opened the store at 8.45am before customers began streaming through the doors at the official opening time of 9am, said: "I was really chuffed for them to ask an old guy like me to open the store, I was pleased to do it."

The new jobs are in addition to 62 people who were transferred from the Co-op to the new 29,000 sq ft store.

The supermarket has a bakery, fish and meat counters, as well as clothing and homeware.

Cefn Fforest Marching Jazz band provided the entertainment for customers waiting to get inside.

The supermarket, will also be working alongside the Newbridge Memo project, organising fundraisers for the restoration.

Opening hours for Sainsbury’s are 7am - 10pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am - 4pm on Sundays.