Spar retailer Paul Stone has opened his seventh store - and the first outside Manchester - in the town of Marple, near Stockport.

The 1,000sq ft former Premier store, which Paul describes as a “modern take on a village store”, has exceeded expectations since opening on the Thursday before Easter. The store served 4,000 people over the Easter weekend, including 1,000 on the Sunday.

“We spent about £200,000 on the refit, including on automatic doors and block paving, to create a perception of quality,” Paul said. “Tonight’s tea is the focus, with upweighted wine, fresh meat and produce, while packaged grocery has been squeezed, so it’s different to what it was before.”

Flowers and fruit & veg are located outside, while food to go includes Paul’s Cheeky Coffee brand and hot food comprising seven types of breakfast sandwich, burgers and pies.