John McGlashan, manager of Arbroath FC, performed the honours, which included marking the sale of the shop's 150th reconditioned bike.

Cycle Stop/Connect is a social enterprise run by Claverhouse Training as a means of creating employment for long-term unemployed people in Angus.

Cycles which have been scrapped or abandoned are collected by Claverhouse and reconditioned for sale, along with pre-owned and fully tested electrical goods and household furnishings.

The shop opened at the end of March at 9 to 11 Guthrie Port, and the launch marks the completion of staff training and fitting out.

Speaking before the launch Alastair Cameron, chief executive of Claverhouse Group, said he was delighted at the way business was developing in Arbroath.

"We have always had tremendous support in Angus, and have been helped greatly through donations of bikes and other goods to get us started. Shop sales are building well and we are already looking at ways of expanding the business in Angus.

"I'm particularly pleased that John is involved in the launch, as we ran a very successful course for Lone Parents in partnership with the football club recently."