Enniskillen benefited from a major retail boost on Monday when the supermarket giant, ASDA officially opened its 41,000 sq ft, purpose-built ASDA store in the town.

Located on the Derrychara Road, the new £20million supermarket brings the full ASDA experience to shoppers, offering an unprecedented range of food, home-wares and George clothing. The investment has also resulted in 140 new full and part-time jobs in the area, bringing the total employed to 320.

ASDA invited its longest serving colleague, Billy Howe to act as 'local hero' and perform the opening ceremony.

A familiar face to all customers, having worked for the supermarket for 47 years, Billy is renowned as an ambassador for ASDA, and being awarded 'hero' status for the day was recognised by many as a fitting tribute.

"I'm delighted to have been asked to be involved in this great day for ASDA and for the folk of Enniskillen and beyond," said Billy. "I've witnessed and been part of the changing face of shopping here over the years and today's opening marks yet another important development for the town. This investment really proves how ASDA is committed to the west and I've no doubt it will continue to deliver a fantastic service to all its customers from this fabulous new store. I, for one, am certainly looking forward to working here as I'm not ready for retirement yet!"

According to the store's general manager, Martin Kelly, the opening represented a positive development for the area: "We aim to be part of the fabric of life in the Fermanagh area and believe this new store will help contribute to the economic and social well-being of the entire area."