Scores of shoppers desperate to get their hands on bargain items queued outside Kent's latest Aldi store.

The shop, in Victoria Road, Ashford, finally opened its doors at 8am this morning following two years of development.

The 18,500 sq ft discount store, which is next to the site of the Chapel Down brewery, has created 40 jobs.

Karen Jackson, 41, from Willesborough, started queuing at 6.45am and was the second person in the store.

She said: "I just wanted to be one of the first ones in.

"I have been excited for it to open; I got way more than I ever thought I would.

"I definitely think it could compete with Lidl.

"This will be my main store from now on - I have been waiting for this one to open because I normally cycle down to Hythe every time because I haven't got a car."

The first 30 shoppers received a bag of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Rugby union player and Olympic silver medallist, Ruaridh McConnochie, declared the store open by cutting the ribbon.

The Team GB star, who grew up in Tenterden, was a member of the silver medal winning team in Rugby Sevens at the 2016 summer Olympics.

The store features 93 parking spaces and will open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the supermarket will open from 10am to 4pm.

Free food is being served until 1pm in the Aldi car park under a gazebo.

A live DJ is playing music and bacon and sausage rolls, tea, coffee and juice are on offer.