A convenience shop left gutted by a fire has reopened nine months after it had to close.

The Co-op in The Street, Upchurch, had to shut after a blaze last April, but the first customers to return were greeted this morning.

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The store has been given an upgrade with brand new chiller sections, a newspaper stand and fresh food area.

It was announced earlier this week that the store would return.

Customers have had to travel miles out of the village to use alternative shops.

A temporary trailer unit was brought in after the fire so residents could still buy their groceries.

It was shut after it was broken into and items were stolen.

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