Helping shoppers choose what to cook for their tea is all in a day's work for Debra Hampton, the new manager of The Hill Co-op in Sandbach.

For the experienced retail manager doesn't only know her business inside out, she's also a dab hand when it comes to preparing a feast for family and friends.

"I love cooking and using Co-op ingredients of course," said Debra. "Our meat is the best. I don't think you can find better.

(Photo: Sandbach Nub News)

"Our vegetables last and you can even order ingredients on the Uber Eats app to make it easier.

"I've been cooking something, realised I'm missing a vital ingredient and ordered on the Uber Eats app, so it's delivered to the door.

"There's so many ways of shopping and online shopping is an area I'd like to grow in this store," says Debra, the newest Co-op manager in the town.

"We had quite a few online orders over the Easter weekend. We receive orders on our tablet and then they're picked straight away, ready for the driver to collect and deliver."

Debra says the store also offers many other services, such as being a DPD delivery drop-off and Amazon collection point, making it a real hub for the community.

And it's this community hub which Debra, who is in her 12th year as a Co-op manager (previously working at branches near her Newcastle-under-Lyme home before taking up the Sandbach job) is keen to expand.

(Photo: Sandbach Nub News)

"There's so much we can do to be part of the local community. We're looking for community groups in the local area to come forward with projects they think we can help with," she said.

Debra, 56, spent 29 years with another retail store before joining the Co-op 12 years ago and loves her job.

"I'm a keen cook at home and I'm also teaching myself to play the guitar. I love watching cookery programmes as well," says Debra, who lists Gordon Ramsay and Gino D'Acampo among her favourites.

And when she's on the shop floor, Debra is often passing on her carefully honed culinary skills and tips to customers.

"If they're struggling to think of a meal, I might help with a few ideas and suggestions," she said.

And what was Debra doing over the Easter weekend when she got home from work?

"I cooked a lovely roast lamb dinner for family, obviously using all Co-op products. It tasted delicious. You can't beat Co-op products!"

And don't forget you can get lots of tips and offers by becoming a Co-op member.

Co-op membership helps support local causes and the Co-op's national charity partners.

See www.coop.co.uk/membership to find out more or become a Co-op Member.