KEEN shoppers waited as Andover’s newest supermarket threw open its doors for the first time.

Town mayor Councillor Richard Rowles and store manager Emma Laishley cut the ribbon to officially open the new Lidl on Columbus Quarter, Walworth Business Park.

The new store is the second Lidl to open in Andover and has so far employed 18 people from the area both full and part-time.

Not only were the early shoppers able to get their hands on offers to mark the new shop, but they were also given a special performance by Vigo Primary School Choir who sang and signed a variety of songs.

Manager Emma said: “The store is obviously beautiful; it is big and much more fit for purpose and it is in a good location with a lot of development and new housing estates going up around here.”

She added: “We came in about a week ago, about the Thursday before, and my store team filled the shelves with stock. My team have been phenomenal, they have given a lot of support.”

Emma predicts that the store is likely to take around £190,000 per week.

As part of the launch the chain donated a trolley full of food and essential items much-needed by Andover Foodbank.

Cllr Rowles said: “I think the store is fantastic. I think what they have done with the trolley of food is really good for the food bank. All the staff are really friendly, and it is nice to see local people getting new jobs.”

The new Lidl joins Starbucks, which opened a drive-thru coffee shop in July and Greggs on the site.