A LIDL store pulled in a big crowd as it opened its doors for the first time.

The new addition to Dorchester’s supermarket scene was officially declared open for business.

New Mayor of Dorchester Andy Canning had the honour of cutting the tape in his first mayoral engagement following a specially written cry by Town Crier Alistair Chisholm.

Coun Canning, who was accompanied by his 15-year-old son James, said: “It’s really good news for the town to have this new retailer coming on board. I’m very pleased to be opening this Lidl store.”

Customers began queuing up ahead of the 8am opening, with county town resident Brian Warren-Peachy and his wife Jennifer receiving a bottle of bubbly in recognition of being the first in line.

Mr Warren-Peachy said: “We know the store in Weymouth and have been going there for many years and we have been waiting for this.”

The opening of the store comes after lengthy delays for a new road layout to be installed at the junction of The Grove by the former Loders Toyota garage site following planning approval back in November 2010.