SHOPPERS in Didcot have been packing into the town’s new Aldi store.

Doors to the Broadway store opened at 8am on Thursday as the Mayor of Didcot, Councillor Scott Wilgrove, declared the store officially open for business.

Mayoress Penny Wilgrove helped open the store and was given a guided tour.

She said: “We were quite surprised at how many people turned up. There were only three people outside when we went in, but the shop was absolutely packed in the afternoon. The queues were halfway up the aisles. It was manic.”

Store manager Andrew Richardson said: “The team and I have been very pleased with the turnout this morning. It was great to finally meet our new customers, many of whom took advantage of all the great products we have had on offer throughout the day. We hope to meet more people from the local area as the week goes on.”

The store has hired 26 staff from the community but are still looking to recruit two deputy store managers, two store assistants and two stock assistants.

Store opening hours are 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday.