Lidl has nearly doubled orders of Kent-grown potatoes as discount shoppers lap up local produce.

The supermarket has increased requests for Kent Potato Company’s own-brand Amber spuds from six tonnes a week in April to 11 tonnes a week last month.

The tatties are grown at farms across the county and packed in a factory in St Nicholas-at- Wade, near Birchington.

Lidl spokesperson Laura Hamlin said: “We have been delighted with the performance of our potato category and as we head into winter we only anticipate these sales will increase.

“The Kent Potato Company has been able to offer us regionally-sourced potatoes into our Kent stores which we hope reflects the interest of our customers in local produce.

“We are committed to British farming and work closely with our supply base to ensure we provide our customers with the high standard of produce they have come to expect.”

Spuds for the 750g packs are just starting to be harvested and will continue to appear in stores until next July.

Kent Potato Company commercial account assistant Fred Squire said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of these salad potatoes.

“We have gone from strength to strength and even receive letters from customers saying how delicious they are.

“They have quite a bright yellow finish which makes them attractive on the plate and they are creamy and sweet with a textured taste.”