Budget supermarket chain Aldi is set to open two new stores in Kent.

The first, in Whitstable, will open on February 23, joining an M&S food hall and Home Bargains on the Prospect Retail Park.

The second, in Herne Bay, will first welcome shoppers on March 16.

Building work on the Herne Bay store started a year ago after a string of delays during the planning process, with the opening date put back several times.

Plans for the supermarket were first announced by developers five years ago as part of a wider town regeneration.

The 18,000 sq ft store, which will have a 72-space car park, is expected to draw in a further 500,000 visitors and shoppers to the town centre every year.

But the project faced a number of stumbling blocks, including highways issues.

Beltinge councillor Ian Stockley said: “When supermarkets are built out of town, they tend to take people away from the centres, but this should bring people into Herne Bay.

“It is a brilliant idea and should have happened a long time ago. It can only be a good thing for residents and I think its arrival will sharpen up other supermarkets’ offering.”