An innovative cut-price supermarket that offers discounts to emergency services staff has opened up in Renfrewshire.

Police officers, firefighters, ambulance staff and NHS workers will be able to save up to 70% off normal retail prices at Scotland’s first Company Shop – which opened its doors in Renfrew’s Blythswood Retail Park on Wednesday.

In addition, those that work in the food manufacturing industry will also qualify for discounts.

All the food sold within the store is in date and perfectly good to eat, but is deemed “surplus” and may have otherwise gone to waste due to incorrect or wonky labelling, seasonal packaging or overstock – amongst other reasons.

The supermarket, which operates on a free membership model, will save tonnes of perfectly good food and products from going to waste each year and will enable members to access discounted food and household goods from their favourite brands, while helping the environment.

Company Shop Group is the UK’s leading redistribution supermarket and already operates a chain of stores across England.

It is expected that the new store will benefit 24,000 local members in its first year, while creating 80 jobs for the Renfrewshire area.

Jane Marren, managing director of Company Shop, said: “We are delighted to officially open our first Scottish store here in Renfrew.

“This is an area with a thriving food manufacturing industry and hard-working families who will benefit hugely from accessing discounted food in our stores which might otherwise have gone go to waste.

“Our model helps businesses to reduce waste, protect the planet, feed hard-working families and support communities.

“We are hugely grateful for all of the support we have received so far, including from our long-standing retail partners, members, local organisations and the wider community.”