A new Co-operative supermarket was opened in the Abbotswood Estate in Leavesden by Watford's elected mayor and residents.
Area co-ordinator Enoch Kanagaraj, a member of Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist Church, asked senior minister, Pastor Jacques Venter, to say a few words to the crowd.
Children from Stanborough Primary School attended the event and accompanied the Mayor Dorothy Thornhill, who cut the ribbon with a giant pair of ceremonial scissors.
The store, which has brought 25 new jobs to the area, is set to become involved in the day-to-day affairs of the community through a notice board featuring local news and events.
Mr Kanagaraj said: "We had a great day, never expected busy. Customers were so pleased about the local store. They liked the community-focused store. I have seen lot of customers stopped by the community board to browse."
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