A new Aldi store welcomed its first customers this morning.

Shoppers from Sheppey were queuing from 7.30am for the opening of the Neats Court Business Park supermarket in Queenborough.

Olympic rower Matthew Langridge was also at the shop to celebrate the occasion by cutting the ribbon and opening the new store.

He also giving away complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range to the first 30 customers in the queue.

The new store will replace the existing Aldi on Pepys Avenue, in Sheerness, and is being run by store manager David Friday, along with a team of 40 colleagues from the local community.

Paul Smith, 63, from Minster, was first in the queue.

He said: “I love Aldi and I’m happy it’s come to Queenborough as it’s much closer to me than the Sheerness store was.

“I like the supermarket’s range of British-quality meats.

“Because of this I wanted to be first in the queue and have a look around. I love Aldi’s food.”

Miriam Baker, 55, Christine Scott, 53 and Catherine Butters, 58, were next in line.

Christine, from Eastchurch, said: “It’s exciting! Aldi being here is much better than it being in Sheerness as it is opposite Neats Court where all our favourite shops are.”

Catherine, also from Eastchurch, agreed.

She added: “It’s brilliant, a much better location and it’s got a nice car park.”

The two friends explained that Aldi is their go to shop thanks to its bargains.

Catherine explained: “You can save money at Aldi and nowadays people can’t afford places like the nearby Morrisons and Tesco

“This is what Sheppey needs. Food has gone up and Aldi has low prices with lovely produce and good quality food.

“The new supermarket has also created more jobs in the area.”

The ladies planned to do a quick morning food shop before heading home to walk the dogs.

David Cook came along to the opening without even having the intention to buy anything.

The 65-year-old from Sheerness said: “I came along as it is something exciting that’s happening and I wanted to be part of history.

“I went to the Sheerness store and it was close but this is a nice change and it’s good to be so close to the selection of shops in Neats Court.”

A spokesperson for Aldi explained the new store will offer fresh, British meat products with weekly offers, as well as Aldi’s award-winning specially selected range, exclusive beers, wines and spirits, and a food-to-go section at the front of the store.

Aldi’s specialbuys will also be available in the middle aisle every Thursday and Sunday, offering value on a wide range of products, from electrical items to garden tools.

The new Aldi store is calling on local charities and food banks in Queenborough to register with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to charitable organisations in the community.

Charities that register will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products, such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods, seven days a week. Any charities in the area that would like to partner up with the new Aldi store should email aldi@neighbourly.com.

The new store will be open from 8am until 10pm Monday to Saturday. It will trade between 10am and 4pm on Sundays.