A LOCAL MP has praised a new surplus store for key workers that opened in August.

Royston Smith, who represents Southampton Itchen, visited Company Shop in Hawkeswood Road.

He met with head of retail Gemma Edlin to learn more about the group’s model and how it prevents surplus from going to waste.

The shop is open to those working in the NHS, emergency services, social care, food manufacturing supply chain, British Armed Forces and prison services, and those working in charities.

All food and products are in date and perfectly good to eat or use but are deemed ‘surplus’ and may have otherwise gone to waste.

"It was a real pleasure to visit Company Shop Southampton and learn about the excellent work taking place there," said Royston Smith MP.

"It’s wonderful to have the store in Southampton: not only is it becoming a central part of our local community here and helping to support families, but it’s also doing something positive for the environment in the process.

“I’d strongly encourage anyone who is eligible for membership to sign up and make the most of it!”