CHRISTMAS elves are coming to Runcorn to open a new £8 million Lidl store.

The German discount chain has created 20 full and part-time jobs at a new supermarket beside Asda in West Lane.

Shoppers will have the chance to taste a range of Lidl’s award winning brands when the doors open at 8am on Thursday, December 11.

Children can visit Santa in his grotto.

An in-house bakery serving fresh bread, rolls and pastries and a new range of fish products are among the attractions.

Clare Norman from Lidl said: “People are drawn to Lidl for its premium quality products at low prices but are encouraged to return when they realise they can do their entire weekly shop for a great deal less money than other supermarkets.

“We’re particularly excited about the new store in Runcorn and being able to serve the local residents with our fresh, quality produce delivered daily from our distribution centre in Manor Park, only two miles away.”

The store has been built on the former Vestric site beside a new Polar Ford car dealership.

Lidl received four stars for value and special offers in the latest Which? supermarket satisfaction survey.

Lidl has 600 stores across the UK, employing more than 11,000 staff.