The new Aldi store opened in Hinckley town centre today.

The site, between New Buildings and Holliers Walk, is the budget retailer's first shop in the centre of the town.

It has been built on the site of a factory that was demolished around a decade ago.

The new Aldi has opened precisely a week after Lidl opened its new store in Coventry Road.

We covered the store opening live. Updates are below.

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'I almost bought a laminator once'

Even Olympic gold medallists aren’t immune.

Shona tells us: “I usually get the meat with the vouchers. I restock the freezer with it. The meat and fish are my favourites. You never know what you are going to get with the special offers, it’s quite fun.

I almost bought a laminator once, the price was so cheap.”

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Scores of shoppers turn out for a peek

The first hour has been very busy. There must be about 70 shoppers in the store at the moment, and the tills are very busy.

The first hour has been very busy, must be about 70 shoppers in the store at the moment. Aldi in Hinckley.
The first hour has been very busy, must be about 70 shoppers in the store at the moment. Aldi in Hinckley.
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'It's about time there was an Aldi in Hinckley'

Roger lives very near the store.

He tells us: “I’m looking for onion rings at the moment, and we’re getting some bread. I’ve got some Christmas presents for my daughter.

“We have had a look round and we’re very impressed. I said years ago,

it’s about time they had an Aldi in Hinckley.”

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Impulse buys - and cheese

Roger Crowe, 60, and his daughter Rhianna Frazer Crowe, 18, had an impulse buy with this £9.99 printer. And why not?

Roger Crowe, 60, and his daughter Rhianna Frazer Crowe, 18, had an impulse buy with this £9.99 printer at Aldi in Hinckley.
Roger Crowe, 60, and his daughter Rhianna Frazer Crowe, 18, had an impulse buy with this £9.99 printer at Aldi in Hinckley.

Meanwhile, these three ladies work at occupational health outfit Healthscreen UK, which is just round the corner from the store. They nipped in to pick up some of their favourite mini roulé cheese.

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Inside the store

Baskets are packed high with ‘offers starting today’. New offers are on airers, lunchboxes, dinner sets, aprons and laundry baskets.

The magical middle aisle
The magical middle aisle
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Veg, veg, glorious veg!

Mat Cobb, 45, who lives a few streets away, has popped in for a few bits.

He said: “I’m going to be getting mostly vegetables as I’m a vegan. I don’t usually go to Aldi as the A5 store was badly situated for me, but this is in a better place. I’m just going to have a look around.”

Meanwhile, the chap behind him looks like he’s on his way to the tills with a trolley full of home appliances.

Goodies galore
Goodies galore
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'Maybe this is the German way'

Denise Angwin, 48, said: “I just thought I’d get here first thing as it’s the first day back at school. I think it will be busier later. I thought they’d pick a weekend to open it, but maybe this is the German way.”

An excited shopper outside Hinckley's new Aldi
An excited shopper outside Hinckley's new Aldi
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In they go!

The store opened at 8am. Around 40 people were waiting.

Lots of people who were waiting have told us they live within a short walk of the store. The shoppers up early this morning are mainly older people and young couples.

And they're in!
And they're in!
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First in the queue!

First in the queue is Anthea Hallworth, 44, who got here at 6.45am to secure her place. Here she is with her token - but she’s got her eye on a particular item.

Aldi is opening in Hinckley
Aldi is opening in Hinckley

She said: “I’m going to be getting a jet washer for my dad.

“I don’t know what else I’m going to get, I’ll just have a look around.”

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An Olympic gold medallist is guest of honour

Guest of honour is hockey player Shona McCallin, whose team won gold at the Olympics after beating the Netherlands. She’s got the job of handing out the free fruit and veg tokens.

Team GB stars were on hand
Team GB stars were on hand
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Shoppers queue for new store

Shoppers are queuing up for the opening of the town’s new Lidl store. The first people to arrive this morning have been given token for free fruit and veg.

Aldi in Hinckley throws open its doors
Aldi in Hinckley throws open its doors
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