A HIGHLY anticipated cut-price superstore is gearing up to open its doors tomorrow, becoming the first of its kind in the area.

Billed as the retailer to take on Aldi and Lidl, Jack’s, a new discount outlet owned by Tesco, is expected to change the shopping habits of many across East Lancashire when it opens on Bocholt Way in Rawtenstall.

Selling fresh produce at a lower price point than Tesco, the new shop will be the first to open in Lancashire and only the eighth to open in the UK, with other branches already up-and-running in large cities such as Liverpool and Birmingham.

Jack’s Area Manager, Kate Forth, said: “We are delighted to be opening this new Jack’s store here in Rawtenstall. A lot of hard work has gone in to getting the store ready and our Store Manager Mike Bradley is looking forward to welcoming local customers to shop at Jack’s.”

Although Jack’s has opened in the old Tesco’s location, the filling station and pharmacy also on the premises will remain operated by Tesco.

A new scheme will also begin with the opening of the store, a campaign that will allow shoppers to choose local charities to benefit from the ‘Jack’s Supports’ scheme, much like Tesco’s current blue token system.

Bosses have also pledged that any unsold food safe for human consumption will be offered to local charities and community groups for free.

The opening hours at the Bury Road premises will be from 8am to 10pm, Mondays to Saturdays, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Cllr Steve Hughes, who represents Longholme ward in the town on Rossendale Council, said: "I am pleased Jack's will be opening next week and will be interested to see what products will be on offer there.

"It was disappointing though when Tesco announced they were closing their store as there were so many members of staff affected locally."

The supermarket giant has harked back to their founding father, Jack Cohen, in establishing their new venture, which is being advanced in nine locations which were once home to Tesco stores.

Cohen founded his first-ever store in Hackney, East London, using his demob money, after being discharged from the Royal Flying Corps following the First World War.

Tesco has another large outlet in Haslingden about a mile and a half away from the Rawtenstall store.