RUGBY STAR Jason Robinson was mobbed by enthusiastic young fans on Mond ay as he officially opened Tesco's new Lydney store.

The ceremonial ribbon-cutting by the Sale Sharks and British Lions winger started a fast and furious day's trading at the brand new building.

By the time the final customer had left and doors were shut around 5,500 people had paid a visit – and most bought something, many coming for their weekly shop.

"I can tell you it has been a fantastic day," said personnel manager Hannah James. "People have been pouring into our car park and shopping area all day and everything has gone extremely well. There was a huge crowd to watch the opening and see Jason Robinson and it has been just wonderful."

A nearby neighbour of the store said that as soon as there was a space in the new car park another vehicle would come along and fill it. The stream of traffic seemed endless.

The petrol station at the site had been in operation since last Friday and was also doing a roaring trade.

The creation of the new store has been far from smooth with delays for Highways Department considerations and holdups at the planning stage, but now that is all over.

It has meant the creation of around 200 new jobs locally, with staff training in full swing over the last few weeks.

The overspill car park on the site of the former Feathers Hotel was the last piece of the plan to be completed and it should be in operation later this week.