IT was a special day for John Bellamy, Weaverham's own hero, when he officially opened Tesco's new Weaverham store.

John, aged 65, of Green Park was selected from a host of individuals nominated for the Search for Hero competition launched by Tesco and the Guardian.

More than 20 people put his name forward in recognition of his dedicated community work.

John was invited to be guest of honour at the opening of the Tesco Express store in Northwich Road.

Dozens of people gathered as he cut the ribbon and was then presented with a cheque for £500 to donate to the charity of his choice.

John said: "I feel very honoured and grateful to the villagers for supporting me.

"I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard because I didn't know anything about it.

"The phone line went very quiet."

John has given the £500 back to the village.

He added: "The villagers put me here today to do this and the money should be given to the villagers.

"A big thank you to those, who wrote in and gave me their support."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk