Six top-performing pupils from Holsworthy Primary School are unveiling the town's first Waitrose at the former Somerfield in Station Road at 8.30am today (Thursday).

The school has selected their star students from Years 2 to 6 to cut the ribbon and welcome the supermarket to the area.

Over the past few weeks Waitrose has carried out a multi-million pound makeover of the former Somerfield store and training for 100 new staff, including 70 former Somerfield staff and 30 new recruits. All new employees will become partners in the business, giving them a say in how Waitrose is run and a share in its annual profits.

There will even be the chance for partners to receive national qualifications in fish, meat or cheese through the Waitrose Specialist scheme, enabling them to advise customers on what to buy at the fresh service counters. For example, trainee fish specialists will visit Billingsgate Fish Market.

The retailer, which is committed to seeking out the best food and drink the country has to offer, will showcase the produce of around 40 suppliers from the region at the new store.

The store will have strong links with the local community and over the coming year will ask customers to join it in choosing 36 good causes to receive a share of a £12,000 donation, through it's Community Matters scheme.

This month Waitrose Holsworthy will be supporting the following three local causes through its 'Community Matters' scheme: Holsworthy Primary School; St Peter's Fair 2009; Community Transport Ring and Ride, Holsworthy.

Customers will be given a green token at the checkout which they place in the box of one of the three local causes that the branch is supporting that month. A £1,000 donation will be split between the three causes in relation to the number of tokens they receive.

Shoppers can also join the branch in nominating the causes that matter to them, and who they would like to see supported in the coming months, by filling in a 'Community Matters' form in-store.

Waitrose Holsworthy Manager, Nick Harris, commented: "There is a real passion for quality food here and we are delighted to be bringing our offer to the town, making our brand more accessible in the South West.

"We're committed to developing a store which really reflects the local community. By stocking a wide range of local and regional food, including Four Elms apple juice and Burt's crisps, we can meet our customers' demand for high quality produce at the same time as helping them support the small producers that are on their doorsteps."

In addition to the fresh meat, fish and cheese service counters, there will also be a delicatessen and a coffee shop serving made in branch baguettes and hot food and drinks.