A new supermarket is set to open in Stevenage town centre on Saturday.

Described as the "UK's first and only", Bargain Grocery Outlet (BGO) will open in Queensway - occupying the corner unit previously used by Cash Converters.

A spokesperson for the outlet said: "This inaugural store marks the beginning of what is expected to be a significant expansion across the country, bringing an exciting new way for consumers to save on everyday essentials.

"Unlike traditional supermarkets, BGO specialises in products that are nearing their 'best before' date, or even those recently gone past the 'best before', but whose quality remains uncompromised. These items, which might otherwise end up in landfills, are sold at significant discounts, allowing customers to enjoy perfectly good food at a fraction of the usual cost.

"Every visit to BGO feels like a treasure hunt, with a constantly changing selection of products and unexpected bargains.

"This treasure hunt-style shopping experience means customers never know what unexpected deals they might come across - one day it might be a high-end shampoo, the next a premium cheese - all at unbeatable prices."

BGO says the key to its business model is "opportunistic buying", sourcing products that are discontinued, surplus stock or mislabelled at significantly reduced prices and offering them to customers at up to 80% off the recommended retail price.

BGO says it "places a strong emphasis on food safety".

The store's spokesperson explained: "While many of the products sold are close to, or have just passed, their best before dates, these labels are purely an indicator of quality, not safety.

"BGO strictly adheres to regulations and does not sell any products that have passed their sell by or use by dates, ensuring that all items are perfectly safe for consumption.

"Our business model will help save millions tonnes of food and save the environment from unwanted landfill waste."

In addition to its discounted items, BGO says it will also offer essentials such as milk, bread and eggs, so customers can complete their entire food shop in one place.