A SUPERMARKET giant is to open a new Hampshire store creating 25 jobs.

Lidl will open its latest shop in Bursledon next week as part of its ongoing UK expansion plans, creating the new full and part-time jobs for local people from store managers to store assistants.

And to mark the occasion, the outlet will be celebrating with special promotions and deals in the store, including a price drop on non-food items.

The company says the Bursledon store is part of a new generation of Lidl food stores and will sell many existing popular lines as well as an in-house bakery serving fresh bread, rolls and pastries every day.

The store will add to the 600 existing stores across the country that employ more than 11,000 staff.

And the opening comes as Lidl looks to start work on a new depot on the outskirts of Southampton, which will create 400 jobs.

Plans for the 24-hour centre had been held up by negotiations over funding by the supermarket firm for local infrastructure, but agreements have now been reached with both Southampton City Council and Test Valley Borough Council.

The 43,000 square metre depot will be built on land next to the M271 motorway at Nursling, with preliminary works for the development expected to start later this year.

To accommodate the new depot, Brownhill Way will be widened into a dual carriageway between the M271 and Adanac roundabout along with cycle and pedestrian improvements.

Lidl spokeswoman Clare Norman said: “We’re particularly excited about the new store in Bursledon, and being able to serve the local residents with our fresh, quality produce delivered to stores every day.”

• The new store will open next Thursday, at 8am.