IT was a case of one good turn deserves another for a team of Bicester soldiers.

Three soldiers from 23 Pioneer Regiment, based at St David’s Barracks, near Bicester, opened Crown Emporium, in Crown Walk.

And in return for the favour, all five shops based within the former bakery will donate 10 per cent of their first week’s profit to the 23 Pioneer Regiment Benevolent Fund, a charity set up this year to support wounded soldiers and their families.

Many soldiers from the base have served in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer 2 Charlie Wood lost his life and Josh Campbell and Alex Stringer lost limbs in explosions there.

Steve Waddup, of Select Furniture, who organised the launch, said: “I think the soldiers do a fantastic job for the country and it needs recognition.

“We wanted to give something back to them for what they do for the country.

“The 23 Pioneer Regiment Benevolent Fund is for the local boys, and it’s closer to our hearts.”

Crown Emporium is part of a new initiative by Crown Walk landlord Sainsbury’s to breathe new life into the shopping precinct, which had eight empty units.

From now until Christmas businesses have moved into empty units for free and will ply their trade until the new year.

Traders say the scheme has been a big hit with shoppers and hope it will be extended into 2012.