SAFFRON Walden’s Waitrose store marked 25 years of trading in the town with special birthday celebrations held in-store on Saturday.

While November 5 was the supermarket’s official anniversary, its quarter-century milestone was seen in at the weekend.

Customers were invited to join in the festivities, 25 bottles of Cava sparkling wine were available to win through a free draw and a human ‘banana’ gave out stickers to children.

Saffron Walden mayor Bob Eastham was in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

Branch manager Malcolm Domb said: “It went really well and we got a very good customer response. They were pleased they we’ve been here for 25 years and hopefully we’ll be here for the foreseeable future.”

Four employees - Jez Marchant, Anne Harris, Pat Storey and Carolyn Brennan – have been with the store throughout its 25 years in the town.

The store has also developed somewhat over the years with sections such as flowers, cards and stationery and bread-making facilities added.

And, following moves by Sainsbury’s and Tesco to expand in Saffron Walden, it is currently seeking to develop still further by launching its own bid for an extension to the Hill Street store.

Mr Domb is optimistic that Waitrose draw in the town centre could see the plans get the go ahead.

“What we would add to the town centre is vitality,” he said. “Waitrose is a big draw to have and it would stop people from travelling around to shop and instead stay in the town centre.”