TAUNTON'S Team GB Paralympic athlete Hannah Taunton cut the ribbon to open the town's new Aldi store this morning (Thursday, October 26).

Shoppers streaming into the Chip Lane supermarket were welcomed by store managed Johny Deane, who heads a team of 35 staff.

Hannah handed out complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range to the first 30 customers.

She will also take an at North Town Primary School as part Aldi's Get Set to Eat Fresh initiative about the benefits of fresh, healthy food and exercise.

And North Town pupils have the chance to win a £20 gift voucher to spend at the store in a poster competition.

Mr Deane said: “It’s been a wonderful morning here at the opening of Aldi Chip Lane Taunton.

"It was lovely to welcome our new customers into store, and I look forward to meeting more of the community in the coming weeks.

"I’m also thrilled that we’ve been able to support North Town Primary School through our partnership with ParalympicsGB.”

Hannah said: “I’ve had a fantastic time opening the new Aldi this morning.

"It was an honour to officially open the store and welcome customers inside for the first time.

“I am looking forward to speaking with the children at North Town Primary School about the importance of eating healthily and how it can be fun to plan and prepare meals as a family.

"Hopefully I will inspire the pupils to keep active and try different sports.”

The store features chillers and freezers dedicated to fresh, British meat products, a ‘Food to Go’ section at the front of the store and a health and beauty section.

And the Aisle of Aldi contains Specialbuys every Thursday and Sunday.

During opening week, the store is offering a range of DIY and home essentials, including an electric garden blower and vacuum for £34.99, a multifunctional rotating LED torch for £4.99 and a 4v rotary tool for £14.99.

Aldi is also calling on local charities and food banks in Taunton to register with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to charitable organisations in the community.

Charities that register will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products, such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods, seven days a week.

Any charities in the area that would like to partner up with the new Aldi store should email aldi@neighbourly.com.

The store will open 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday.