Woolworths staff create new store

The former Woolworths store has been given a new lease of life

More than a dozen former Woolworths employees have helped to open a new discount shop in Didcot, Oxfordshire.

Alworths Ltd was launched by Andy Latham, who worked at the collapsed chain for more than 25 years, along with 15 Woolworths colleagues.

Queues formed outside the former Woolworths site in the Orchard Centre on Thursday as the new shop opened its doors to the public.

The firm has said it hopes to open a further four stores before Christmas.

Andy Latham, managing director, said: "Woolworths left a big gap in the high street and in many people's lives.

"Alworths will be servicing the local community and offering jobs to many local people."

Similar ventures set up to replace Woolworths, or reopen former stores, have appeared across the UK.

Woolworths went into administration in November last year, with debts of £385m.