THE first customer of Liskeard's new 99p Store, which opened on Monday, was the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank.

The national budget chain does not go in for grand openings at its new stores but usually has a 99-second trolley dash in aid of a local charity.

When chief operating officer Tony Brown spoke to the Cornish Times asking for advice, the paper's first thought was the local foodbank.

The dash around the aisles, in the former Eurospar building on Bay Tree Hill, was undertaken by Maureen Smith, chairman of Liskeard Traders' Association, and foodbank manager Dave Berry. At the till, their items totalled £189.76.

Dave said after the dash: 'We are so thankful for the fantastic support the foodbank receives, often from people who have had to use us themselves and like to help us out in return when they reach better times. Today we were able to concentrate on the goods which are a little more expensive for people to donate and which tend to run out the quickest, such as tinned meats and fish, coffee and fruit juice.

'We are very grateful to the 99p Store as what was donated today will really help us out in our busiest time of the year.'

A queue formed outside before the store opened for the first time and staff report it has been busy all week.

Mr Brown said: 'Liskeard is a lovely town and we are delighted to be here. We are hoping our presence will attract more people into the town centre.'

Maureen Smith, on behalf of fellow traders in Liskeard, welcomed the store: 'We think it is wonderful that a 99p Store has opened in Liskeard. Hopefully this will be a turning point for the town.'