PARALYMPIC CHAMPION JOSEF CRAIG OPENS COSTA STORE IN NEWCASTLE

A Paralympic Gold medallist was on hand to brew up excitement with a host of coffee lovers at the opening of a new Costa branch in Newcastle. Champion swimmer Josef Craig, 17, who hails from Jarrow, celebrated the opening of Costa at St Mary’s Place, Newcastle, on Saturday. The new 60-seat store, which is based in the former NatWest Bank building, has created nine new jobs. The branch also features outdoor space for up to 16 people, providing a space for shoppers, students and workers to soak up the sun in the summer months. Store manager Alessio Soave, who has worked in Costa branches throughout the North East,including Durham, the Metro Centre and Newcastle’s Market Street branch, said: "We’re very excited to be opening a new store in St Mary’s Place, which is a great location in the city centre, and we’re thrilled that Josef could celebrate with us. I’m from Jarrow too, so it was great to meet him! We have many exciting plans ahead for the store, including a range of fundraising activities for the Costa Foundation, and we can’t wait to get started.” Josef said: “I’m a big fan of Costa – especially the hot chocolate and the chicken and bacon toasties – so it was a lot of fun to welcome a new store to Newcastle and meet all of the staff. It’s in an ideal spot in the city and I’m sure it’ll be a success. For further information, please contact: Helen Saville on 0191 231 4985 or 07885 413508