The opening date for Kent's newest Aldi has been revealed - with the launch heralding the creation of about 40 jobs.

The budget supermarket is taking up residence in Canterbury's Sturry Road, in the city’s existing B&Q store which has been downsized and split into three separate units.

Aldi will be opening over the other side of the road to Asda, and just a stone's throw from Lidl.

Today it has been confirmed the opening date is little over two weeks away, on Thursday, October 7.

Canterbury's other Aldi on the opposite side of the city is to remain open, yet question marks over its future remain after the store was put on the market - and then taken off - earlier this year.

Sturry Road is notorious for its heavy traffic, yet proposals for the new supermarket were approved last year after planning officers raised no fears over increased congestion.

Doors to the new store will be opened for the first time at 8am, with Team GB hockey star Susannah Townsend in attendance.

The Olympic gold medallist, who plays for Canterbury's hockey team, will be cutting the all-important ribbon at the morning ceremony.

New store manager Simon Possee said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to the new store in Canterbury.

"It’s set to be a special day as we’ll be celebrating the opening of Aldi’s new store in the area and having Olympic hero Susannah Townsend join us will make it a morning to remember.”

The supermarket will be open from 8am until 10pm, Monday to Saturday.

On Sunday, it will be open from 10am until 4pm.

A coffee chain will also be taking up residency in a new unit neighbouring Aldi, but a tenant has not yet been secured.

B&Q is retaining 50% of its floorspace, while the supermarket will occupy about 45% in the redesign, and the coffee shop takes on 5%.

Susannah Townsend added: “I’m so excited to be opening Aldi’s new store, it will be great to chat to customers and a lovely way for me to thank Aldi for its support of Team GB.”

Aldi is calling on local charities and food banks in Canterbury to register with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to charitable organisations in the local community.

Charities which register will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products, such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods, up to seven days a week.

Those interested in working with the new Aldi store should email aldi@neighbourly.com.

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