Budget supermarket Aldi has its eyes on a dozen Kent sites as it plots the next phase of its battle against the big four brands.

The German discount chain, currently enjoying increased profits at the expense of established UK supermarkets, said it is looking to expand in Kent as part of a £600m investment.

Earlier this year it announced plans to create 35,000 jobs and build 1,000 stores across the UK by 2022.

Its list of targets for the South East include 12 towns in Kent.

These are Ashford, Broadstairs, Chatham, Deal, Faversham, Folkestone, Herne Bay, Sevenoaks, Tenterden, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Whitstable.

Unlike many of its rivals, Aldi made a point of ignoring Black Friday, claiming it always offers low prices.

Similarly, the grocer eschews loyalty cards and short-term offers favoured by rivals.