THE opening date has been revealed for the new Aldi store in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The discount store, located on the site of a former car showroom on Swindon Road, will launch on November 28 and create 24 new jobs.

Manager Arron Stoddart said: “We can’t wait to open the doors to the new store.

“It’s set to be a special day as we’ll be celebrating the opening of Aldi’s first store in the area.”

Mayor Steve Watts said: “It’s a good opportunity for the residents. The town has Tesco and Sainsbury’s but not everybody can afford them.

“We listened to our residents. Some people have to drive to Swindon to do their weekly shopping. It will now be better for them. I think it’s very positive.”

“The supermarket is not huge, but it will be significant for the town.

He added: “It’s good because it’s not on a green site, so it won’t impact the environment.”

Olympic silver medallist Samantha Murray will join the supermarket team to cut the ribbon in the morning at 8am.

The modern pentathlete said: “I’m so excited to be opening Aldi’s new store. It will be great to chat to customers and a lovely way for me to thank Aldi for its endless support of Team GB.”

The retailer aims to have 1,200 stores by 2025 and is committed to further improving its existing stores across the country.

Change of use permission for the store was granted by Wiltshire Council just under a year ago and was welcomed by the town council and local shoppers.

Plans for a development by rival discounter Lidl on land close by at Marsh Farm were thrown out by a planning inspector in March.

The Lidl store was part of a scheme including a care home and 200 homes.

The new Aldi will encourage charities and food banks in the area to register with Neighbourly, its community engagement platform that links businesses to charitable organisations in their community, to receive regular donations of surplus food from the supermarket.

Registered charities will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products, such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods, up to five days a week.

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

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

The supermarket will have exclusive offers throughout the opening day and the first 30 customers will receive a complimentary bag of fresh fruit and vegetables.