A NEW Aldi store has officially opened its doors in Southampton.

The store opened at 8am this morning at its site on Auckland Road, Millbrook.

Wheelchair rugby hero Aaron Phipps cut the ribbon alongside pupils from Tanners Brook Primary School.

The gold medalist and Paralympics GB team member gave away free bags of fresh fruit and vegetables to the first 30 customers in the queue.

He then delivered an inspirational assembly for primary school pupils as part of the supermarket’s initiative, Get Set to Eat Fresh.

Daily Echo:

Aldi Millbrook also offered pupils the chance to win a £20 gift voucher to spend at the new store.

The youngsters were also tasked with creating a poster to show what healthy eating means to them.

Aaron announced the winner during the assembly and the winner was presented with a voucher.

Store manager James Mahood said: “It’s been a wonderful morning here at the opening of Aldi Millbrook.

"It was lovely to welcome our new customers into the store, and I look forward to meeting more of the community in the coming weeks.

Daily Echo: ParalympicsGB gold medallist Aaron Phipps with store manager James Mahood and other Aldi staff.ParalympicsGB gold medallist Aaron Phipps with store manager James Mahood and other Aldi staff. (Image: Aldi)

"I’m also thrilled that we’ve been able to support Tanners Brook Primary School through our partnership with ParalympicsGB.”

He added: “I’ve had a fantastic time opening the new Aldi on Thursday morning.

"It was an honour to officially open the store and welcome customers inside for the first time.

“It was great to speak with the children at Tanners Brook Primary School 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 the pupils to keep active and try different sports.”