A NEW budget supermarket has opened its doors in Bournemouth.

The ribbon was cut for the new Lidl, in Holdenhurst Road, by school pupils from Malmesbury Park Primary.

Students involved in the school council battled the weather to get to the new store to officially open it to the public.

Teacher Ms Tucker said: “It’s been really good. These are our school councillors, they got to see backstage.

“They had a great time. We’re hoping to build a link with the store, to help us raise money for charities.”

Customers flocked to the store for the grand opening and were welcomed by a free pastry on arrival.

Rosemary Gliddon, 86, said: “I think it’s nice and easy. It’s convenient and things might be cheaper. The only thing I’m not with is the plastic.”

The budget supermarket also appealed to students from Bournemouth University.

One student, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I haven’t been up this early in years. There was definitely a need for it.

“We thought it would open in the summer.”

The famous middle aisle of the store contained items such as shoes, zip-through hoodies and hair-curlers.

Another customer, who also remained anonymous said: “I think it’s fantastic, I’m very impressed.

“The prices are cheap. I came over here when there was a Staples.

“You’ve got students over the road, they’ll come here. They’re open quite late as well. It’s great.”

The new store increases Lidl’s presence across the borough to four sites, with established shops in Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre, Winton and the Richmond Gardens shopping centre in town centre.

Before the opening, Lidl GB’s regional director said: “We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing this new Lidl store to Bournemouth.

“It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we can’t wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community.”