Team GB hockey hero opens new Aldi store in Sevenoaks

SALLY Walton, who won Olympic gold in the women’s field hockey event at Rio 2016, officially opened Aldi’s new Sevenoaks store on Thursday (11 October) – and there was a surprise for the first 30 customers.

Sally Walton cuts the ribbon to officially open the new store

Each received a complimentary bag full of fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s Super 6 range. This comes as part of Aldi’s “Get Set to Eat Fresh” initiative which encourages children aged 5-14 to develop their understanding and love of fresh, healthy food.

Following on from the opening celebrations, Sally, also paid a visit to St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School in South Park, Sevenoaks, to talk about the benefits of healthy eating, keeping active and her sporting achievements, as well as presenting a donation of fresh Aldi produce.

The Team GB star said: “I’ve had such a fun morning at Aldi Sevenoaks, meeting shoppers, handing out free fruit and veg and speaking to the kids – everyone was in high spirits!

Sally Walton shows her Olympic medal to children at St Thomas’ School in Sevenoaks

“It was fantastic to meet enthusiastic pupils who are interested in sport. Hopefully I’ve persuaded them to go home and cook up something tasty with their parents.”

Store Manager, Matt Cook, added: “Thanks to Sally and everybody who came down this morning for making our store opening so memorable. We can’t wait to welcome even more local shoppers through our doors in the coming weeks and months.”

The new store, which was previously the site of a car dealership, spans over 1,140 sqm of retail space. In a welcome boost to the local economy, 40 jobs have been created with the store launch. Information and applications on all roles at Aldi can be found via www.aldirecruitment.co.uk/stores.

The new store on Otford Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN1 5EG, is now open: Monday – Saturday: 8am – 10pm. Sunday: 10am – 4pm.

Customers queue outside the new Aldi store

Aldi has replaced the Haywards/Peugeot car dealership that was previously on the same site