SUPERMARKET giant Tesco will open Rossendale's largest store on Monday, creating nearly 300 jobs and breathing new life in to an empty building.

Tesco in Haslingden will welcome its first customers on the former Lancashire Home and Gardens site, Syke Street.

And the newly crowned Rossendale Community Champion, Joan Jenkinson, will be guest of honour at the celebrations.

The former PE teacher, from Rawtenstall, and a team leader for voluntary group Civic Pride will officially open the store at her first engagement.

Joan, who suffers with arthritis, works with deaf people and has been running an appeal to build outdoory classrooms for schools.

She said she was delighted to be honoured with the prize partly, organised by Rossendale Community Network.

"This has come as a big surprise to me, I work with a great team of volunteers and it really is a team effort. I love living in the valley and feel honoured and very proud to be named Community Champion."

Joan will receive the full VIP treatment at the launch of the supermarket, which has given £1,000 towards her chosen charity.

The money will go to environmental group Groundwork Rossendale, who transform derelict land into community amenities.

Europe's biggest garden centre suddenly closed last August - just 18 months after it opened - with the loss of 180 jobs. But a huge recruitment drive has seen 270 jobs created.

Store manager, Peter Hampson, said "The store has brought a lot of jobs to the area and I feel that this will benefit Haslingden in the long term."

He also praised Joan for her charity work and added: "Joan is a modest yet well-deserved winner."