TWO branches of the Co-op in Hampshire are set to reopen next week after a £1.2m investment in refurbishments.

The stores in Bridge Road, Woolston and High Street, Fordingbridge will be back in business from Friday, March 2 following their makeovers.

Eight new jobs have been created at the Fordingbridge store thanks to a £1m overhaul.

The revamped Co-op’s will both offer a range of fresh, healthy foods, hot food, an in-store bakery, a Costa coffee point, and offer ten per cent discount to students in the area with an NUS card.

Both stores offer a Co-op membership scheme. Members receive a five per cent reward when buying own-branded products, and the Co-op donates a further one per cent to good causes in the area.

Causes to benefit at the Woolstone store include the 9th Itchen Sea Scout Group, Royal Southampton Yacht Club and Woolston Preschool.