Details of the new Tesco store in Kingsbridge, which was given the go-ahead by South Hams District Council in late June, were shared with residents of the town and the surrounding area at a two-day public exhibition during Fair Week.

The UK's largest supermarket chain put its plans for the store and its surroundings - including the new improved pedestrian link with the Fore Street shopping area - up for public view on July 22 and 23 at Abbots Quay.

Representatives from Tesco were on hand to discuss details and answer questions.

A Tesco spokesman said: "We are delighted to have received the go-ahead for the store on the Cookworthy Road site.

"With the nearest major supermarkets over 10 miles away, we believe the new store will encourage more local residents to stay in Kingsbridge to do their shopping, and this will give a boost to the other shops in town as well."

Tesco expects to start work on the £9m store before the end of the year and have it completed and open by late 2009.

The company says the store design will offer environmentally friendly features such as photovoltaic energy sourcing, pollution control, waste minimisation, solar panels and rain-harvesting drains.