Large crowds gathered for the opening of a long-awaited Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The store in Broomfield, near Herne Bay, unlocked its doors to customers at 9am after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Staff offered free tasters beforehand to those waiting to get in.

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An Argos, Specsavers and Oasis, located inside the store, and a six-pump petrol station were also opened today.

Events organiser Gerald McCarthy was one of the first shoppers through the supermarket's doors this morning.

He said: "We've been lagging behind Whitstable for a little while with its big Tesco and Sainsbury's stores, so it's nice to be on a level playing field.

"It provides another option for local shoppers. It's a win-win for the people of Herne Bay."

Herne and Broomfield councillor Robert Jones echoed the sentiment, adding that it will help to increase footfall to independent shops along the High Street.

The site, in the Altira Business Park, has been the subject of controversy for the last two years.

The shell of the building had been completed in 2016, but Sainsbury’s stalled plans to launch the supermarket.

However, the chain’s bosses announced in June they had been in discussions with Canterbury City Council about a revised plan to open a 50,000 sq ft shop, with an Argos inside it, and a petrol station.

They also stated the supermarket will sell Sainsbury’s branded food and Tu clothing.

It is expected to create between 150 and 200 jobs, many of which have been advertised online.