A major supermarket brand is looking to expand into new territory as it becomes Britain's fourth largest store.

Aldi, which already boasts more than 970 shops across the country, has plans to open at 16 new locations with eyes set on Tunbridge Wells.

All this is part of a recent expansion project from the chain where the company has already invested £16.2 million and is creating new outlets in Ashford and Kings Hill.

Recent records show the budget supermarket has now overtaken Morrison's in the running order, gaining 1.5 million extra customers over the past 12 weeks and seeing sales grow to 18.7%.

Aldi say this recent success is thanks to the buying teams working to counter the impact of inflation and maintain its discount against traditional full-price supermarkets.

Chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland Giles Hurley said: “The cost-of-living crisis is worsening, and it’s being felt by millions of households across the UK.

"It’s in times like these when our customers rely on us the most, which is why we’re focusing on continuing to deliver our long-standing price promise by offering the lowest possible prices in Britain, every single day.

“Independent research shows our discount is as compelling as ever and that’s why more and more people are switching to Aldi.

"We will do whatever it takes to maintain our discount to the traditional full price supermarkets and keep grocery prices as low as possible for the millions of customers that shop with Aldi.”

The company is now looking to expand, searching for freehold town centre or edge-of-centre sites suitable for property development.

It is looking for an area fit for a 20,000 sq foot store with around 100 parking spaces – ideally near a main road with good visibility and access.