Corby mayor Peter McEwan cut the ribbon at a special ceremony to mark the opening.

The store in Gainsborough Road was built in just 13 weeks, replacing the previous Lidl supermarket.

During building work business carried on in a huge marquee put up at the site.

Company bosses said they decided to build the new store in the town after hearing that millions of pounds were to be invested in revitalising Corby.

Regional director Martin Bailie said: "We wanted to be part of that. The feedback we have had from customers already has been really positive.

"The store is a big improvement on the old one and is much bigger and brighter.

"We are proud to be a part of Corby and proud to have this building."

The new store has provided an additional 12 full and part-time jobs.

The company, which this year scooped the Best Value for Money Retailer of the Year award, has chosen Corby as the UK store to trial a new chiller which is said to cut emissions by 43 per cent.

Store manager Martin Willis said: "The staff have been really looking forward to working in this new store. We are really pleased to be here."

The new store was welcomed by Heidi Ciok, 75, from the Beanfield estate, who said: "It is fabulous.

"This building has really made a difference. It's much bigger and brighter than the last one. Also the products seem to be cheaper."

She said she had continued to shop at Lidl while it traded out of a marquee.

Santa Ivanova, 23, a quality controller from Oakley Vale, said: "There is lots of stuff. I like shopping here."

Anthony Cunningham, 23, from Stamford Walk, Corby, who works in a DIY store, said he came along after reading an advert in the paper: "I have been shopping at Lidl for about two to three years. This store is bigger and brighter. I like the fact there are a lot more named brands."

The store is running buy-one-get-one-free offers on many products and customers who spent £30 or more yesterday received a £10-off voucher to use today.

Mr Bailie said: "It's a way of saying thank you to all our customers here in Corby."