Lidl GB has confirmed that its new store on Mill Lane in Alton will open for the first time on Thursday, February 22.

To mark the event, a representative of Alton Town Council and children from Anstey Junior School will take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The store opening times will be from 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9.30am for browsing on Sunday, with tills open from 10am to 4pm.

The new supermarket will create around 40 jobs and, following Lidl’s latest wage announcement, staff will receive the highest rates of pay in the sector.

It will feature a 1,305 square metres sales area, along with Lidl’s award-winning in-store bakery and customer toilets with baby-changing facilities.

Outside the store will be served by ample parking for both cars and bicycles.

Over the opening weekend customers will be able to find exclusive deals on selected products, including Silvercrest’s espresso machine for £39.99, its crêpe maker for £12.99 and its three-in-one sandwich toaster for £9.99.

James Mitchell, Lidl GB’s regional head of property, said: “We’ve seen demand for Lidl’s best value products continue to grow across the country, so it’s great for us to open our latest store in Alton.

“Not only will the new store deliver high paying jobs for local people, but it will also provide access to our multi award winning products. We would like to thank all those who have played a part in delivering the new Lidl and we look forward to welcoming everyone through our doors in the coming weeks.”

The latest price comparison in The Grocer named Lidl as the cheapest supermarket for a basket of everyday items.