A TEAM GB athlete will officially open Darlington’s newest Aldi store on Thursday, with shoppers being given the chance to win a host of prizes.

The store will be officially opened by Team GB track cyclist Jess Varnish and representatives from Firthmoor Community Centre, who will receive a donation from the store in support of its services to the people in the Eastbourne area.

The new shop, at the North Road Retail Park, has created 30 jobs in the town and there are still vacancies for store assistants and stock assistants.

A golden ticket event will mark the opening from 8am where the first 100 people in the queue will receive a golden envelope which will contain a prize.

These include a 48 inch smart TV, an in-car DVD player, shopping vouchers, a sat nav and a Dyson vacuum cleaner.

And as well as the Firthmoor Community Centre benefitting from donations from Aldi, the 10th Darlington Brownies will also receive goodies following the store opening.

Customers can also enjoy free bacon and sausage sandwiches from Aldi’s Specially Selected range, as well as complimentary tea and coffee, throughout the morning.

Michael Brown, Aldi store manager said: “The team and I are looking forward to the store opening, and with lots of activities taking place on opening morning, including our golden ticket event, we’re hoping for a great turnout.”

Opening week ‘Specialbuys’ include discounted pressure washers, hedge trimmers and multi-chefs. More information about the jobs available is at aldirecruitment.co.uk.