Kent’s latest Aldi store has opened its doors for the first time - with dozens of shoppers queuing at the crack of dawn.

More than 50 people were waiting outside the new Waterbrook Park supermarket in Sevington, Ashford, as early as 7.30am.

Thirty-five staff are employed to run the shop, which includes a bakery and was opened by Paralympic table tennis player Ross Wilson.

Dave Firmanger travelled from Greatstone on Romney Marsh to be one of the first through its doors.

“I’ve quite often gone to openings for other shops in the past,” he said.

“I normally go to the Aldi in the town centre (in Victoria Road) because of the cost-of-living crisis and wanting to get quality things cheaper - especially the meat here.”

More than 30 cars were parked up by the time Aldi began trading at 8am - about a third of its total capacity.

Shoppers are able to park at the store for 90 minutes.

Based off Waterbrook Avenue - not far from A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road - it is to operate from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

John Oldfield says the new store will be easier to access from his home in Kingsnorth.

“It should be easier for us depending on the traffic,” he said.

“I’m just excited to have a look, not even at anything specific.

“I’ll probably come about three times a week if I quite like it.”

Meanwhile, Mersham’s Diane Missen, 67, added: “It’s laid out differently to the one in Victoria Road - they’re normally the same way.

“But that’s fine and I like how you can smell the bakery when you come in.

“It’s also easier to get to here - it’s been a nice five-minute drive - and to be able to come here later on in the evening is good.

“It’s also good competition for both Tesco stores nearby and all of the other supermarkets.”

The German discount giant was finally given the green light to build the site last year.

Although plans for the Sevington shop were originally approved in 2022, contractors faced a two-year delay.

A condition imposed by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) meant work could not start until progress was made on a separate convenience store on the Finberry estate.

However, Aldi finally started work in the spring after the condition was lifted last year following talks with the authority.

Both agreed on a deed of modification - a legal document that allows parties to amend terms of section 106 legal obligations, a developer contribution designed to offset the effect of building new schemes.

The opening comes as contractors continue to work on another store off A28 Canterbury Road in Kennington, where an eight-month roadworks project to accommodate the development began in July.

That store, Ashford’s third, is expected to open next year.

Meanwhile, a David Lloyd health club is also set to open on Waterbrook Park on land opposite Aldi, filling a spot previously earmarked for an Amazon warehouse.

The facility is due to feature three tennis courts and four swimming pools, creating 100 jobs.

Ashford’s third KFC outlet and a Taco Bell restaurant are also due to be built next to Aldi.