It will serve 529 stores throughout the region, covering Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

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"One of the things we had to look at was connectivity, and the way we could best serve Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the rest of the region, " said the Transport Secretary.

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Capt Cresswell, from Shirebrook in Derbyshire, said during a patrol the reaction of people in the region to the Mercians changed very quickly.

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