Kent-based Spar retailer David Charman has opened a newly extended and refitted forecourt store at Parkfoot Garages in West Malling. He first launched a convenience store on London Road in 1996 becoming the first winner of the Forecourt Trader of the Year awards in the same year. In the past few months, the store has undergone a £250,000 refit, to extend it from 1,500sq ft to 2,950sq ft and fit it with the recently unveiled, new-look Spar fascia and imagery.

The 24-hour BP forecourt’s offer includes a wide range of chilled foods, extensive produce section, groceries, impulse and an off licence.

The store also boasts a locally-supplied delicatessen, a butchery supplied by Faversham-based Butcher of Brogdale, a made-to-order sandwich counter and an organic and vegetarian selection. Customers will be able to speak to the store’s full-time butcher about the selection of meats on offer and the best ways to cook them.

To celebrate the store’s makeover, there was a grand launch day featuring local produce tasting sessions, free goodie bags and special offers.

Charman said: "This is one of the most exciting projects to hit West Malling recently, bringing together local suppliers and fresh products to offer customers a real alternative to supermarkets. We hope our customers will be as excited about it as we are."