More than 70 keen shoppers braved the autumn chill to take a look at Maidstone's newest Aldi supermarket this morning.

The budget superstore hosted Team GB athlete Frances Houghton for its grand opening at the Langley Park Centre in Laight Road.

She was joined by Kevin the Carrot - company mascot and the star of the chain's 2016 hit Christmas advert.

Members of The Young Lives Foundation, a local children's charity, helped Frances cut the ribbon and were donated a trolley full of sports equipment and festive gifts for their clients.

Meanwhile, lucky shopper Daphne Lux won a £100 voucher to spend on Christmas dinner, while a hundred others received crackers with a chance to win special prizes.

Brad Turnbull, store manager, said: “We’ve got a great selection of Christmas products in store, from fine wines to festive hampers, and we’re delighted to celebrate the opening by offering one lucky customer a Christmas feast on us, with the help of Kevin the Carrot of course!”

The new store is around 1,250sqm big, with space for 111 cars. It's open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 10pm and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

About 40 new jobs were created at the site, which forms part of the Taylor Wimpey's 600 home Langley Park development.