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

A stunning sunrise shone over the supermarket as shoppers were welcomed inside by lots of smiling staff.

Olympic medal winner Beth Tweddle cut the ribbon on the store on Green Oaks Way.

A stunning sunrise heralded the opening of the new Aldi store in Widnes (Image: Newsquest)

The former building, which had been in place since 1995, was bulldozed at the end of 2021 to make way for the bigger store.

After watching months of construction work, the new Aldi store has finally opened (Image: Newsquest)

A colourful display of fresh flowers greets you as soon as you step aside.

Colourful fresh flowers greet customers at the front of the store (Image: Newsquest)

And you can’t help but feel impressed by the fresh, clean feel of everything being brand new.

Balloons tied to the display baskets created a celebratory atmosphere to mark the first day.

Balloons celebrate the opening of the new store (Image: Newsquest)

All the chiller cabinets have been fitted with doors, making it look more contemporary and easier to see products on display.

Glass doors have been fitted to all the chiller cabinets (Image: Newsquest)

Packs of limes and oranges are among this week's 'Super 6', the weekly fresh fruit and veg special offers.

Limes, oranges and potatoes are among this week's 'Super 6' (Image: Newsquest)

Great to see all the shelves and baskets filled to the brim as so many supermarkets are still experiencing supply problems.

Aldi has been fuelling the GB team since 2015 (Image: Newsquest)

Shoppers were browsing the popular middle aisles bulging with all sorts of Christmas gift ideas and household items.Balloons flutter over the famous middle aisle (Image: Newsquest)

The store is 400 square metres larger than the old one and feels more spacious as you walk round.

Plenty of room to browse round the special buys (Image: Newsquest)

Ten extra jobs have been created.

The German discount retailer decided to replace the old building on the same site as it was unable to find any other suitable sites in the town.

Wines, beers and seasonal spirits are at the back of the store (Image: Newsquest)

Wine, beer and seasonal spirits are lined up at the back of the store.

Fresh milk and the bakery are on the far side.

Fresh bread, rolls, buns, wraps and bagels are on the far side of the store (Image: Newsquest)

Store manager Chris Worgan, who leads a team of 40 staff, said: “I’m excited to be opening Aldi’s new store.

“It will be great to chat to customers.”

Self checkouts have been installed (Image: Newsquest)

The new store has self-service tills as well as checkouts.

Checkouts have wide conveyor belts (Image: Newsquest)

Four electric charging points have been fitted in the car park along with additional spaces for bicycles, motorbikes and extra disabled bays.

Fruit and veg baskets are full to the brim (Image: Newsquest)

Local charities that register will be able to collect surplus food and perishable products, such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods, seven days a week.

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