Thousands of Exmouthians flocked to the new Lidl budget store on the opening day on Thursday.

From 8am a range of special offers and discounts prompted an astonishing 2611 customers to spend in the region of �50,000 in just a single days’ trading.

First through the door were David and Clare Sampson who were presented with a bottle of bubbly to help them celebrate their upcoming diamond wedding anniversary.

The store was officially opened by mayor Sandy Sutton and has created 25 new jobs in Exmouth.

Manager Ben Ball said: “We have had people of all ages; young, old and families. “I think we have shaded a bit off Tesco; but where as they offer lots of branded products we have lots of special offers.

“It’s been a good start.”

Georgina Hall, of Lidl, said: “Our customers trust us to offer them high-quality products at the lowest prices.

“The new Exmouth store not only offers a value-for-money shopping experience to local residents, but has also created up to 25 new jobs, which is positive news in the current economic climate.”