Opening ceremony of Weymouth Aldi at Chickerell Link Park

Olympic gold medallist, the Team GB hockey player Hannah Macleod, will open the new Aldi store at Chickerell Link Park this Thursday.

Accompanied by mini martial artists and staff, Hannah will kick off Aldi’s ‘Freshtival’ at 8am with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Hannah, who has won two Olympic medals for her country, taking a bronze in 2012 and gold in Rio 2016, will perform the official opening ceremony alongside children from Budmouth Community Centre’s Tae Kwon Do School, who will help the hockey hero ‘chop’ through the all-important ribbon.

Hannah said: “I’m really looking forward to my fun-filled morning in Weymouth.

"I’m excited to spend time with some fledgling sports stars and chat to them about the importance of a healthy diet and how great it is to be involved in a sport.”

Aldi Weymouth will also be celebrating the opening by giving the first 30 people in the queue a free shopping bag each full of fresh fruit and veg from its Super 6 range.

The bags will be handed out by Hannah just before the official opening ceremony at 8am.

Customers will benefit from 135 car parking spaces and 1,254 square metres of retail space, offering an "enhanced, convenient and varied shopping experience".

In a welcome boost for the local economy, 25 new jobs have been created with the store launch, and Aldi is still recruiting for a variety of roles in the area.

Store Manager, David O’Connor added: “Anticipation is building as we get closer opening day, and we’re thrilled to welcome Hannah and the mini martial artists to the Freshtival.

“We’re thrilled to have an Olympic medallist coming to help us celebrate. As a Team GB member, she’s used to performing at the highest level with other athletes. Running a store is a little bit different than hockey, but I’m sure she’ll fit right in when she sees our top-quality teamwork.”

The store, open every day from 8am (10am on Sundays), is located at Unit H, Link Park, Chickerell Link Road, DT3 4FL.