SOMERFIELD plc                                 

                       AUTHORITY TO PURCHASE OWN SHARES                        

Somerfield plc announces that its Annual General Meeting Circular to be posted
to Shareholders this week will include a resolution seeking Shareholders'
general authorisation to purchase up to 10% of its issued Ordinary Share
Capital. The resolution will constitute ordinary business at the Annual General
Meeting. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 3 September 2003.

Enquiries:

Stephen Grant, Company Secretary        0117 935 6108                          



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