SUPERMARKET giant Lidl will officially open its new Sandford store next week, marking the launch with a community celebration and prizes for early shoppers.

Residents are invited to the grand opening on Sandford Road on Thursday, February 12, when the ribbon will be cut by Wareham mayor Zoë Gover alongside Wareham St Martin Parish Council chairman John Williamson and pupils from Sandford St Martins Primary School.

Shoppers attending the launch can enjoy complimentary food samples, while a number of lucky customers will walk away with special prizes.

The store will trade from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Lidl says the new supermarket will save local households both time and money, ending the need for a 34-mile round trip to do their weekly shop.

The retailer says the town will also benefit from what it calls the “Lidl Effect”, with a multi-million-pound investment creating up to 40 new jobs.

Through its surplus food donation scheme, Feed it Back – delivered in partnership with Neighbourly – the store will also provide food to good causes in the community.

The 1,411m² sales area will feature Lidl’s popular in-store bakery, the well-known Middle of Lidl section and customer facilities including toilets with baby-changing amenities.

Outside, the site offers ample parking for cars and bicycles, along with rapid electric vehicle charging points.

As part of Lidl GB’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, solar panels installed on the roof will supply some of the store’s electricity.

James Mitchell, regional head of property for Lidl GB, said: “We are thrilled to officially open our new Sandford store. This fantastic new location is a direct response to local demand for high-quality, affordable groceries, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome the community inside.

“A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped turn these plans into reality – we can’t wait to start making a real difference to your weekly shop.”

The Sandford opening is one of 19 new Lidl stores launching in just eight weeks, as the retailer continues a period of rapid growth following the recent opening of its 1,000th UK store.