Today marks a new chapter for shoppers in Deal with the opening of a highly anticipated new supermarket which has created 37 jobs for local people.

The doors to Aldi in West Street will slide open at 8am with an official ribbon cutting by Olympic rower James Foad.

Queues are expected, with the first 30 shoppers receiving a complimentary bag of fresh fruit and vegetables. There will also be exclusive offers running throughout the opening day.

It comes four years after Quinn Estates first revealed it was in talks with the discount chain for a different site in Albert Road.

But the plans didn't come to fruition, instead the company set its sights on the former Co-op store when the lease came up for renewal.

Following a turbulent planning process and more than six months of construction, a brand new building has been erected and incorporates, on one side, traditional windows dating back to when the site was home to St Ethelburga’s chapel.

It will boast large chillers and freezers dedicated to fresh, British meat products, a ‘Food to Go’ section at the front of the store, a range of spirits, wines and beer, and health and beauty products.

Store manager, Julian Baker, said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to the new store on West Street.

"It’s set to be a special day as we’ll be celebrating the opening of Aldi’s first store in Deal and having Olympic hero, James Foad, join us will make it a morning to remember.”

The store will be open seven days a week and offer free parking.

As a result of demolition, several mature trees were felled with a promise from the firm it would invest £15,000 towards planting new ones elsewhere in Deal.

Aldi has not responded to our request for more information on this.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal