THE date of reopening for the Tesco Express store in Popley has been revealed by staff on social media.

The shop on Carpenter's Down set fire on Monday, March 15, caused by a freezer unit.

Eight engines with approximately 30 firefighters from Basingstoke, Odiham, Tadley, Hartley Wintney, Alton, Kingsclere, Overton and Rushmoor scrambled to the scene at 7.50pm and extinguished the 'major' blaze, which caused 'significant damage'.

Thankfully, all staff and customers safety evacuated the premises, and the fire did not spread to nearby businesses.

The store has been closed for the past eight weeks while investigation was undertaken and repair work carried out.

During this time, the Popley Tesco staff have been working at other branches in the town, and keeping their customers updated on the store's progress via social media.

Posting to a community Facebook page yesterday, the team revealed the store's reopening date to be Friday, May 28, adding: "It has been a long time since our store has closed due to the fire and we just want to thank all of our customers for your patience during this time.

"It has not been easy for anyone and we understand how frustrating it can be for a local store to be shut. We now have our store's opening date and can’t wait to get back in and welcome you all back!"