STAFF and shoppers of a popular supermarket joined together to celebrate the brand's 140th birthday.

Longest serving staff member Iris Chapman, 82, cut the birthday cake and sharing experiences of her time with the company while colleagues joined in the fun by wearing commemorative aprons.

Store manager David Shannon of Sainsbury's, in George Lane, South Woodford, and colleagues welcomed all customers to come and enjoy the day.

He said: “We’re delighted to be able to invite our customers down this coming weekend to join us in celebrating the companies 140th birthday.

"It’s a really great time for us to reward colleagues that have worked so hard over the years.”

Since Sainsburys opened its first shop in Drury Lane in 1869 it has seen dramatic changes with the introduction of the first ever delicatessen counter opened at the Wandsworth branch in June 1971.

And the store cemented its place in the heart of the community by launching the local charity of the year.

The local charity of the year is your chance to nominate a charity close to your heart, supporting the local community and making a real difference.