Hundreds of residents flocked to the opening of a new supermarket in Chickerell which has created 25 new jobs.

The new Aldi store at Link Park was officially opened yesterday by Olympic gold medallist, hockey star Hannah Macleod, and the Mayor of Chickerell, Cllr John Dean.

The pair were joined by mini martial artists from Integrity Martial Arts in Weymouth, who posed with fists in the air as the ribbon was cut.

Hannah said she was happy to put her hockey stick aside to support the event.

She added: “It’s always nice to get out in the community and support Aldi, as it has been such a great partner to Team GB during Rio, and now in the run up to Tokyo. There was a real buzz in the air today.

"Everyone in the crowd was eager to explore their new supermarket and it was lovely to see how happy the staff were when greeting all their new customers."

Cllr Dean also praised the store and explained Chickerell has been waiting a long time for a supermarket.

He added: “This is the best thing to happen to Chickerell. We have waited at least 20 years for a supermarket, it is exactly what Chickerell needs. We are a fast-growing town.”

Twenty five new jobs have been created with the store’s launch and Aldi is continuing to recruit.

The opening sparked concerns that the Aldi at Jubilee Retail Park in Weymouth would be closed, however a spokesman confirmed the store will stay open.

The first 30 visitors to enter the new Chickerell store were given a free bag of shopping full of fresh fruit and veg from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range. A variety of items were also on special offer.

Kim Kerr and her mother Chris Kerr, arrived at the store early and were given one of the free bags.

Kim said: “We had a leaflet through the door telling us about the event. We were told they have half price microwaves.

“It’s nice to have something on our doorstep now.”

Rod Wallis and his wife Karen bought one of the store’s special offer cupboards.

He said: “The store has been very good. A lot of people came out for the opening. I came to get a new cupboard because they have been on offer. I am pleased with what I have come away with and I’d come again.”