A SUPERMARKET giant has unveiled a brand new store in Colchester as part of its billion pound expansion plans, creating jobs for local residents in the process.

Lidl, located in St Andrew’s Avenue, opened its doors for the very first time on Thursday morning following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The launch instantly attracted a queue of eager shoppers who had headed down to the site early to check out the gleaming new complex.

Part of the company’s ongoing £1.3billion expansion and regeneration plans across Great Britain, the store will create about 40 new jobs within the local community.

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The new supermarket, which has a 1,370-metre-squared sales area, boasts an in-store bakery, customer toilets and ample parking for both cars and bicycles.

Andrew Hodgkinson, Lidl GB’s regional head of property, said: “It is fantastic we are able to open and welcome residents into our highly anticipated store in Colchester.

“We have received overwhelming support from local residents, and we would like to thank everyone who has played a part in delivering this new store.

“We now look forward to serving our multi-award-winning products to the local community.”

Lidl, which promises to “deliver fresh, quality and great value produce”, will operate between 8am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.