Bosses at Lidl have finally revealed the opening date of a town's newest supermarket.

The long-awaited launch of the branch off the Old Thanet Way in Herne Bay had been pushed back in June this year.

The German chain had hoped to welcome its first customers to the store this summer - but its unveiling was delayed .

Now, it has finally been revealed the 2,125 sq m supermarket will open for the first time on September 24 at 8am, creating about 40 new jobs for the area.

Lidl's regional head of property Adam Forsdick said: "We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing this new Lidl store to Herne Bay.

"It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we can’t wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community."

Lidl launched a fresh bid to build the supermarket in Roundabout Farm towards the end of 2018 - a year after its initial bid had been snubbed.

The original plans were rejected by councillors on the grounds the store would have been constructed on land designated protected open space in the Local Plan.

The revised proposals were given the go-ahead last June after members of Canterbury City Council’s planning committee narrowly voted them through by six votes to five.

It will be open between 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion and regeneration plans across the country.

The store has a 1325 sq m sales area and features facilities such as an in-store bakery, longer-style tills, customer toilets, baby changing facilities and electric vehicle charging spaces.

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