FOOD shoppers in York are holding a double celebration after news that a new Marks & Spencer store is opening next week - and that prices promise to be cheaper than similar stores in London.

The Simply Food store - described as "a new small format food-only store" - will open at Monks Cross next Friday and will sell ready meals, fresh produce, Food To Go branded sandwiches, salads, snacks and alcohol.

The store has promised that the prices will be the same as food items in traditional Marks & Spencer stores in York and elsewhere in the country. This means that compared with Simply Food stores in London, and at railway stations, York shoppers will be getting a better deal.

Items such as own-brand house red wine will be nine per cent cheaper in York at £3.29, compared with Simply Food stores in the capital where it costs £3.59.

Four cans of Belgian lager will be 11 per cent cheaper at £4.49 in York compared with £4.99 in London and 80 Gold Label Tea Bags will be 5.9 per cent cheaper in York at £1.69 compared with £1.79 in London.

A Marks & Spencer spokeswoman said a slight premium had been added to selected items in London Simply Food stores and those at railways stations to cope with high rent costs and the extra staffing levels needed at these stores.

She said: "The prices at the York Simply Food store will be completely the same as the main Marks & Spencer store in York. It's just the ones in London and at railway stations where the prices are different, and only on selected lines."

The new store at Monks Cross will create 48 new jobs.

To mark the opening, at 9am on September 19, the store is planning a special open day, including food and wine tastings.

Store manager Andy Crum said: "We're confident Monks Cross shoppers will be pleased with the new store."

Updated: 10:53 Friday, September 12, 2003