EXCITED children joined Olympic hero Beth Tweddle to cut a red ribbon to open the new Aldi store in Widnes.

Pupils from St Gerard’s RC Primary and Nursery School were thrilled to meet the Team GB bronze medallist on Thursday.

The 2012 Olympic champion then visited the school, just yards from the supermarket, to present an inspirational assembly.

READ > PHOTOS: First look around new Aldi supermarket open today in Widnes

Runcorn and Widnes World: Pupils from St Gerard's RC Primary School join Aldi manager Chris Worgan and Olympian gymnast Beth Tweddle to open the new Widnes AldiPupils from St Gerard's RC Primary School join Aldi manager Chris Worgan and Olympian gymnast Beth Tweddle to open the new Widnes Aldi (Image: Aldi)

Britain’s most successful gymnast spoke about her career and challenging training regime.

Her phenomenal achievements include winning a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics, three world titles, five European titles and seven British titles.

The supermarket’s initiative, Get Set to Eat Fresh, has already helped to motivate more than two million pupils aged five to 14 about the benefits of cooking fresh, healthy food with their families.

The former team GB star offered children the chance to win a £20 gift voucher to spend at the new store.

Pupils were invited to create a poster to show what healthy eating means to them.

Beth Tweddle presented the prize to winner, year six pupil Strahinja Rakovic during the assembly.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Poster competition winner Strahinj Rakovic receives his prize from Olympian Beth TweddlePoster competition winner Strahinj Rakovic receives his prize from Olympian Beth Tweddle (Image: Aldi)

Aldi has been fuelling Team GB with fresh, healthy food since 2015 through monthly vouchers.

Beth spoke to the children about the benefits of eating healthy food and the importance of exercise and believing in yourself.

Beth said: “It was great fun to speak with the children at St Gerard’s about the importance of eating healthily and how it can be fun to plan and prepare meals as a family.

“Hopefully, I’ve also managed to inspire pupils to keep active and try different sports.”

The new Aldi store offers large chillers and freezers dedicated to fresh, British meat products, a ‘Food to Go’ section and an exclusive section full of health and beauty products.

Beth gave away complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous ‘Super 6’ range to the first 30 customers in the queue.

Store Manager Chris Worgan said: “It was lovely to welcome our new customers into store.

Runcorn and Widnes World: Chris Worgan, manager of the new Aldi store in WidnesChris Worgan, manager of the new Aldi store in Widnes (Image: Aldi)

“I look forward to meeting more of the community in the coming weeks.

“I’m also thrilled that we’ve been able to support St Gerard's Primary School through our partnership with Team GB.”