The Nisa Local shop on Cromwell Road in Saffron Walden presented £1,500 worth of cheques to charities in the town at the official opening of the extension of the shop.

As a ribbon was cut by Nicola Badula, the daughter of employee, Mariusz, donations were made to The Katherine Semar Junior School, Saffron Walden County High School Farm Club, The Spartak 78 Youth Sports Club, Support 4 Sight and the Uttlesford Buffy Bus Association. There was also a CCTV system given to Saffron Walden Ladies Football Club.

Shop owner, John Visana said: “The money is raised via the Nisa charity Making a Difference Locally. The purpose of the charity is to enable independent stores to add value to their local communities. We as a store nominate local charities or causes which then receive a donation from Making a Difference Locally. We add to this with revenue from certain products augments so the more of these products we sell the more money we are able to give to local causes.

The shop, which was was closed for two days during for the refurbishment, now sells hot food, including sausage rolls and pies and has extended its range of world food, including Indian, Polish and Mexican, both grocery and fresh.

Owners John and Nila Visana run part of a family business with five Nisa Locals in the area.Mr Visana, who has run the business for 30 years, said: “There is a better environment for our customers, we were a bit cramped before. The aisles are wider, we are now wheelchair friendly.”