CHILDREN watched as a building was demolished to begin the extension work at Sainsbury’s in Tadley.

About 20 youngsters from Boot Farm Kindergarten in Back Lane, Brimpton Common, were invited to look on as the first of four empty buildings was knocked down to make way for the extension.

Roy Allaway, project manager from RC Group which is carrying out the work, gave a talk to the children before they tucked into some refreshments.

Helen Burgon, manager of the kindergarten, said: “It was great fun witnessing the demolition. The children oo-ed and aah-ed and Roy told them about safety on the site.”

The plans, which were approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in December 2008, are to build a single-storey extension, new entrances, three non-food retail units and include a revision of the car park to create more spaces.

The project, which will also relocate a recycling store and includes a new public space and customer restaurant, will create a number of new full and part-time jobs.

Construction is due to be completed by the end of the year and the store will remain open as usual throughout.

David McElhannan, Sainsbury’s development executive, said: “The extension will enable us to provide customers with a wider range of products and improved access from both Mulfords Hill and Silchester Road.”