Roll up and get ready to rummage for a trolley-load of bargain buys

LITTLE-KNOWN STORE IS A SHOPPERS' DELIGHT

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

DON'T bother writing a shopping list. There’s a big chance you won't find any of the items you're after on a visit to the Company Shop - but if you go with an open mind you'll leave with a trolley-load of bargains.

Unlike Aldi, Tesco, Sains-bury’s and all the other big supermarkets, every single item is cut-price but, as an outlet for surplus stock, there’s no guarantee what you'll find on the day you visit.

The chiller cabinets are packed with meat, fish and diary. You'll find fruit and vegetables and shelves with savoury snacks, biscuits, canned goods and alcohol. There’s frozen food, cosmetics, pet food and household items too.

If it sounds too good to be true, there is a catch. Not everyone can roll up to this little-known store. NHS and private healthcare workers and carers, firefighters, police, those who work for the prison service and members of the Armed Forces are eligible to shop there.

Employees and volunteers of registered charities and people on means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit can also apply for membership.

The only other way is knowing someone with a membership card who can give you a guest pass.