A SCHOOLGIRL battling cancer for the second time in two years is to become the centre of attention this weekend when she officially opens a new food store.

Becky Baxter, 10, who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer of the pelvis and bladder, will cut the ribbon of a new co-op store in Great Harwood today The school was asked to nominate a pupil for the task because it had collected the most tokens in the area for the co-op's sports for schools programmes.

David Ratcliffe, headteacher at St John's CE School, Great Harwood, said: "We chose Rebecca because she is a model pupil - very bright and very brave. She has missed out a bit because of the illness but this will give her the chance to see everyone again."

Becky was first diagnosed with cancer in November 1998 and after a series of treatment was told that she was in remission but the cancer returned less than two years later.

She and her family of Victoria Street, Clayton-le-Moors, will be at the Queen Street launch.

As a celebration of the new opening United Co-op has also donated a £2,000 inflatable, with a slide and obstacles to the Mercer Leisure Centre for children to play on during school holidays and weekends. This will be launched, after the store opening, at 9.45am.