MORRISON'S bosses have announced that the new Nelson store will become their 100th when it begins trading next month.

And it will become another milestone in the Bradford-based family firm's history book when it opens its doors in the company's 100th year at 9am on September 13.

The store will be opened by the winner of a competition run among local schools.

Youngsters will be invited to write a poem about 'My Town', saying why they like Nelson, and the winner will help officially open the store with the Mayor of Pendle, Councillor Edwina Sargeant, and the company's chairman Ken Morrison.

Store manager Bill Clynes said: "We're delighted that the Nelson store will be a significant landmark in Morrison's long history and that our newly-recruited staff are able to share in the celebrations."

Work on the 70,905 sq ft supermarket began last November after Seed Hill Mill, Clayton Street, was demolished to make way for the store.

Workmen were busy putting the finishing touches to the store and its car park this week in time for the grand opening.

Mr Clynes, 29, will be backed by a 41-strong team. He has worked for the firm for ten years after starting as a management trainee and working his way through the ranks.

Manchester-born and a fervent United fan, he is a season ticket holder at the Theatre of Dreams and enjoys football and golf in his spare time.

Morrison's national chain of stores serve more than 2.5 million customers every week.

The company's arrival in Nelson is seen by the council as a vital step towards revitalising the town centre.

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