AN OLYMPIC silver medallist is set to open a new Basingstoke supermarket.

The new Aldi store, which is part of the redeveloped St Michael’s Retail park, will be officially opened by Olympic rower Frances Houghton.

At the opening on Thursday, 18 October, the first 30 shoppers will get the chance to meet Frances as well as collecting a goodie bag full of fruit and vegetables from the store’s Super 6 range.

The new Basingstoke store will offer a wide range of British produce. Spanning over 1,254 sqm of retail space, the store will offer an enhanced, convenient and varied shopping experience.

Store manager, Tatyana Salimova, said: “We’re delighted that Frances will be hosting our grand opening celebrations. No doubt this will be a brilliant start for the Basingstoke store and we can’t wait to meet local shoppers over the coming weeks and months.”

The new store has created 30 jobs.

As part of Aldi’s ‘Get Set to Eat Fresh,’ initiative, which hopes to inspire 1.2 million schoolchildren to learn about the benefits of cooking fresh, healthy food, Frances will pay a visit to pupils and staff at St. Anne’s Primary School after the store opening.

She will host an assembly and chat about her Olympic journey and the important role that healthy eating has played in her career.

The Rio 2016 Olympian said: “I can’t wait to visit Basingstoke and chat to some excited shoppers. Aldi makes it so easy for Team GB athletes to stock up on healthy, fresh foods through the vouchers it provides us with.

“As an athlete, I know the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and having access to fresh produce. Aldi’s range of fresh fruit and veg is so affordable it makes it easy to whip up tasty, nutritious meals.

“I hope to inspire the children of St. Anne’s to get in the kitchen with their parents and encourage them to learn about healthy eating.”

The store opening will take place at 8am on October 18.