The Simply Fresh symbol brand has opened its first store on a forecourt, in the rural village of Weare in Somerset.

Work has now been completed to expand the store at GH Lunn & Son’s BP-branded forecourt at Weare, following a lengthy and complicated process to gain planning permission in an area of natural beauty.

The 1,000sq ft store provides fresh, locally sourced produce and everyday supplies. Owner Simon Lunn celebrated with an official launch event on May 25, where locals enjoyed free food and drink samples, promotional giveaways and activities. In keeping with Simply Fresh’s community values, Simon will also be running a Healthy Eating Initiative with local Somerset schools. Simon said: "Having been established in Weare for over 60 years, we know the area well and feel that we are an asset to the village and to the surrounding area. By having locally sourced suppliers for quality fresh produce and goods, we are able to maintain great support with our local community, so naturally we felt that Simply Fresh was the ideal symbol group."

Simply Fresh director Kash Khera said: "Simply Fresh suits the new store’s beautiful location, the small community and its environmentally-conscious residents."