A new concept store for wines, beers and spirits was opened on Unthank Road in Norwich yesterday.

The East of England Co-operative Society's new Le Ch�teau store has opened its doors for the first time, selling a wide range of wines, beers and spirits from around the world, tailored to suit all budgets, as well as Fairtrade wines and locally-sourced products.

It also has a range of delicatessen foods and complementary products.

Roger Grosvenor, group general manager for trading for the East of England Co-operative, said: 'I'm delighted with the store and the range of products on the shelves; it looks fantastic and will offer customers in Norwich a fresh and new shopping environment.

'Le Ch�teau is an entirely new concept store for us, but we have very experienced colleagues on board to ensure we provide an excellent service to our customers.'

A series of tastings will be available at the store and these will include three ales from Suffolk's Nethergate Brewery, which is providing the first products under the Society's 'Sourced Locally' label.

The Society is working with fine wine merchant and consultant Paul Allen to ensure that Le Ch�teau offers the best possible range of products to customers.

He added: 'For any business to be a success, it needs a good product and well-trained, passionate staff, who thrive on sharing their passion with customers. We have, in Le Ch�teau, both of these.

'My role is to continue to work with Le Ch�teau colleagues and help them share my knowledge and passion, whilst sourcing the very best wines for our customers.'

The store will be open between 9am and 11pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 10pm on Sundays and opens shortly after the Society's food store on Unthank Road was refurbished.