WITH just five days to go before the grand opening, the Guide has been given a sneak preview of the new Morrisons supermarket.

The 300-strong workforce are currently being trained ahead of the September 15 launch, which will mark the end of more than two years of planning and building work on the 81sq ft building.

Store general manager Ian Thorpe said his staff, who are mostly from the local area, are in the middle of a 100-day preparations before the opening.

Most of the staff are from Bury and Morrisons bosses have promised to stock as much local produce as possible - a double boost for the borough’s economy.

As part of the build up, children from Higher Lane and Ribble Drive primary schools were invited to taste food being made so staff can test their equipment on Tuesday September 8 and Wednesday, September 10..

There was also a bread-baking test, after which dozens of fresh loaves were donated to the Salvation Army in Bury.

Ian said: “It’s been exciting getting the whole team together for the first time, and they have all been saying how great the store looks.

“Personally, I can’t wait to start serving the people of Whitefield and beforehand we must make sure that everything is perfect for the opening day, and for every day after that.”

Morrisons officially opens to the public at 9am on Monday.