Morrisons has voiced its support for the Airedale Hospital Emergency Department Appeal.

The supermarket giant expressed its keeness to back community initiatives after opening a store near the hospital in Steeton.

The Morrisons M Local in Skipton Road opened its doors last Thursday.

And among those invited to attend the official ceremony were A&E housekeeper Bob Tallon and consultant Meg Crossley.

She nominated Mr Tallon as a ‘local hero’ to open the store, in recognition of his work.

“Bob is one of the longest standing members of our A&E team, and always has a cheery smile for us and helps to make tea and toast for our patients,” she said.

“He is a dedicated member of the team and helps with the smooth running of the department. Everyone in A&E plays a vital role, and we all wanted to say thank you to Bob for his efforts over the year.”

Mr Tallon said he was “really surprised” to be nominated.

He added: “I am delighted the store opening was on the same day we launched the appeal. I hope the local community gets behind our appeal as I know how needed the funds are for our department.”

They were joined at the opening by Morrisons staff Paul Pratt, who lives locally and suggested the site as a location for a store, and Ray Horsfall, a Steeton resident who has been an employee of the company for 56 years.

Store manager, Nick Eglington, said he was delighted the A&E team was represented at the event.

“We were so pleased to have Meg and Bob join us,” he said.

“As a new business in the village, we are really hoping to find opportunities to support our local community and good causes that are as important to us as they are to our customers.”