TWO rival budget supermarkets are opening new stores in neighbouring towns on the same day.

Aldi is opening its new outlet in Stanley town centre on Thursday, at the same time Lidl launches its new premises in Delves Lane, near Consett, seven miles away.

The German retailers are hoping to take on Asda in Stanley, as well as Morrisons and Tesco in Consett.

Olympic silver medallist, Gemma Gibbons Burton, is set to officially open the new Aldi store.

The judo player, who won silver in the Womens 78kg event at the London 2012 Olympics will cut the ribbon to mark the store officially open at 8am, with the help of pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

After the opening, she will visit to the school to deliver an assembly about her Olympic career and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to opening morning; meeting the store team and chatting to customers.

“I hope I can inspire Aldi shoppers to stay active and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

“With so much fresh produce on offer at Aldi Stanley, it’s really easy to do so.”

Store Manager Stuart Lancaster added: “We’re all really excited to meet Gemma and have her host our grand opening celebrations.

“No doubt this will be a winning beginning for our new store and what a way to welcome our new shoppers.”

The new Stanley store has created 30 jobs for people who live in the area, while 20 people will be working at Lidl.

Aldi was founded in 1946 with the first UK store opening in 1990.

Lidl dates back to 1930, but the first Lidl discount store was opened in 1973 and copied the Aldi concept.

The first UK store was opened in 1994 and the firm now has 650 outlets.

The store in Delves Lane also opens at 8am, replacing its existing shop on Medomsley Road.

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion and regeneration plans in the UK which will see it open up to 50 new stores a year.

Facilities include a bakery, customer toilets, baby changing and parking for both cars and bicycles.

Lidl UK’s regional head of property David Murphy said: “We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing our new Lidl store to Consett.

“It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we can’t wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community once again.”