MOTORWAY drivers can stop off for some groceries thanks to the opening of a convenience store which has created 20 new jobs at a Hampshire services.

Roadchef has opened a new Spar store at its Rownhams (West) site on the M27 between junctions three and four.

The shop stocks fresh produce from the Hampshire area and has an in-store bakery.

Rownhams is the seventh Spar launch at a Roadchef site, following the most recent launch at Clacket Lane on the M25 in Surrey in late 2016.

An estimated 7,500 motorists stop at Rownhams every day which already has branches of WHSmith, Costa Coffee, McDonald’s and Fresh Food Cafe and Roadchef say the new shop will complement its existing offer.

In addition to the new shop significant changes were made to the services in the early part of this year.

The old rear entrance was blocked off and the toilets were moved here.

Costa was moved to a new position underneath the atrium roof and a new entrance and foyer was built, directing people to a more spacious central area.

Simon Turl, CEO of Roadchef, commented: “In a prime location on the M27, Rownhams is one of our key sites and an ideal place to develop our portfolio of convenience store outlets.

“We pride ourselves on providing the best service and brands on the motorway network and are pleased to be able to provide even more choice to our customers, whilst also bringing 20 new jobs to the area.”

Roadchef, which employs more than 3,300 across the UK, forged a link with Dutch multinational chain Spar in 2015 with the aim of opening shops at each of its 29 motorway locations.