Shoppers eager to snap up a bargain were ready and waiting when a new Lidl opened in Dagenham this morning (July 8).

The supermarket in Whalebone Lane South welcomed customers for the first time at 8am, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the help of children from Furze Infant School in Chadwell Heath.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Staff at the new Lidl store, and school children from the area, applauding the first customers through the door.Staff at the new Lidl store, and school children from the area, applauding the first customers through the door. (Image: Ken Mears)

The first customer through the door, Olukemi Adebayo, was presented a bouquet of flowers by store manager Chris Pawson.

Others who were waiting outside when the store opened were applauded by staff and school children as they entered.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Furze Infant School children help members of staff with the ribbon cutting at the opening the new Lidl store.Furze Infant School children help members of staff with the ribbon cutting at the opening the new Lidl store. (Image: Ken Mears)

When the opening date was announced last week, Lidl GB regional head of property Colin Rimmer said: “We are delighted to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area and look forward to welcoming everyone to our new store.”

Barking and Dagenham Post: Customers outside waiting for the store to open.Customers outside waiting for the store to open. (Image: Ken Mears)

Opening hours are 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

The store joins nearby Lidl locations in Heathway, Longbridge Road and Grove Farm Retail Park.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Staff and school children welcome customers to the new Lidl.Staff and school children welcome customers to the new Lidl. (Image: Ken Mears)

Barking and Dagenham Post: Lidl area manager Beau Thompson with his children Scarlett, Willow and Jaxx and partner Claire Hutchins at the new store.Lidl area manager Beau Thompson with his children Scarlett, Willow and Jaxx and partner Claire Hutchins at the new store. (Image: Ken Mears)

Barking and Dagenham Post: Shoppers outside the new Lidl store in Whalebone Lane South, Dagenham.Shoppers outside the new Lidl store in Whalebone Lane South, Dagenham. (Image: Ken Mears)