A NEW superstore was opened by Olympic star Zoe Smith in Woolwich yesterday.

The Greenwich-born weightlifter – currently UK number one in the women’s 58kg division – cut a ribbon to mark the Tesco store’s opening on November 26.

The champion was also presented with a £1,000 cheque from Tesco for charity Greenwich Starting Blocks which supports the borough’s athletes and helped her springboard to success.

The supermarket giant is part of a multimillion pound boost to the town offering new houses and stores at Woolwich Central.

There are 260 local people who have secured jobs at the 80,000 square foot store following Greenwich Council’s job schemes.

At the opening ceremony, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich Nick Raynsford said: "The opening of the new Tesco store is an important milestone in the regeneration of Woolwich Town Centre, bringing new business and employment opportunities, and providing a firm basis for future economic growth.

"It rounds off a memorable Olympic year for Woolwich."