Alan Thompson MORE than 800 people applied for the15 jobs at the new Starbucks coffee shop, which opens tomorrow.The coffee shop opens in the revamped and extended Market Gates shopping centre - where Iceland used to be - and Mr Gilbert said the company had been astounded that so many people had applied.

Alan Thompson

MORE than 800 people applied for the15 jobs at the new Starbucks coffee shop, which opens tomorrow.

The coffee shop opens in the revamped and extended Market Gates shopping centre - where Iceland used to be - and Mr Gilbert said the company had been astounded that so many people had applied.

He added: “There were 15 vacancies which have now been filled, but we are very grateful to everyone who showed interest in coming to work for us.”

And before the coffee shop's opening, the new staff got involved in work in the community.

Greenacre Primary School, in Dickens Avenue, is benefiting from a new initiative from the company.

Mr Gilbert explained: “We have been given £500 by the company to spend on a local project. We spoke to Greenacre headmaster Colin Dyson and asked what the school needed. So, we are painting the outside wall of the school and supplying bulbs, a picnic table, hanging baskets and other things the school may need in due course.”

He said the association with the school will continue

“We want to give something to the community.,” he added. “We have not gone in with Starbucks ads and T-shirts, we wanted the publicity to our involvement to be fairly low-key. ”

Greenacre deputy headteacher Maggie Massey said: “I think this initiative is tremendous. We want to put Greenacre Primary School firmly on the map. I also think it is also important for the children to have a link with the local community and this will certainly help them.

“When all the work is finished, they will enjoy the more pleasant surroundings.”

Chairman of the governors Iain Macdonald said: “We are delighted Starbucks offered their help and we thank everyone who has taken part. This is just the start of the improvements we want to make.

“This is a very old building and there are plans to refurbish the reception area and to improve the playground at the back for key stage two children.”