ALDI'S new Romsey store got off to a busy start yesterday (Thursday). Within ten minutes of the store opening its doors around 200 people were browsing inside.

People queuing outside waiting for it to open said it was about time Romsey's Waitrose supermarket had competition and many agreed the town needed the new store to attract more shoppers.

First through the doors were Constance Sharples and her friend Tracey Walters from Shootash. Before going inside,Constance said: "We've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

Tracey added: "I've shopped in Aldi's at Portsmouth."

Another in the queue was Geraldine Mead. "I just wanted to see what it's like. Romsey needs some competition," said Geraldine.

Store manager Bill Hawes, who opened the new shop, was delighted with the response. He said: "This is a very promising start.

"It's great to be working in Romsey and to have the opportunity to manage Aldi's newest store. Aldi offers Romsey residents a new shopping experience. With our commitment to exceptional quality and value for money, I am sure shoppers will love our own brand ranges of food, our award winning wines and our ever-changing weekly special buys."

Aldi representatives offered free samples of cheese, ham, luxury chocolate biscuits and orange juice to shoppers yesterday. And the first 50 customers to buy a Bush CD system received a £50 discount.

Browsing inside the store was Romsey ladies wear shop owner Monica Murfitt. Asked for her first impressions, she said: "It's good to have something back in the middle of Romsey. From what I can see the shop is bright and cheerful."

The German retail giant opened two more new stores yesterday - one in Scotland and the other at Sheerness.