A DOUBLE charity donation marked the re-launch of Tesco in Chard after major improvements.

The supermarket in Tapstone Road has had a makeover after 15 years in the town and now has new counters serving fresh meat, hot chicken and takeaway options.

The store made donations to the Catherine Wells-Burr Foundation and Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

The family of Catherine Wells-Burr and Jenny Wheadon, director of Ferne Animal Sanctuary, were welcomed as guests at the store’s official re-launch celebrations and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday.

Store manager David Newton presented both organisations with cheques for £250 before customers enjoyed complimentary champagne, cake and orange juice.

Mr Newton said he and his team recognised both organisations as important to the Chard area and was delighted to offer support.

“It has been wonderful to welcome our guests to the store to present them with their donations,” he said.

“It is important that as a store we support our local community and we are delighted that our new look has enabled us to offer support to two very important local causes.”

The Catherine Wells-Burr Foundation is a small grant-funding charity which helps the families of murder or manslaughter victims in memory of Catherine Wells-Burr, of Chard, who was murdered last year.

Catherine’s mum, Jayne, said: “We would like to thank the Chard Tesco store for supporting our daughter Catherine’s Foundation.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary strives to provide care and refuge for unwanted domestic and farm animals. It rehomes dogs and cats in the local area, and cares for all animals that remain at the sanctuary. It relies entirely on donations and legacies to continue its work.

Jenny Wheadon said: “We are very grateful to the team at Tesco Chard for offering us this generous donation which we will use to benefit the animals living at Ferne and will be used where it is most needed.”

Tesco is holding a free birthday party on Saturday for customers. They can enjoy free candy floss, face painting, music and entertainment from 11am until 4pm.