A NEW Lidl store - one of the largest in the UK - has opened in Maryport.

The supermarket in Curzon Street was opened on Thursday by town mayor Linda Radcliffe, Allerdale mayor Celia Tibble and Allerdale councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes.

The German discount chain has created up to 40 jobs at the store, which it describes as a "Lidl of the future", modelled on more upmarket chains to try to attract a more affluent clientele.

Lidl announced its intention to build in Maryport in July 2014.

Work on the 2,470sq m store began last year.

The site is owned by Allerdale council and was offered for sale as part of a deal being managed by the Allerdale Investment Partnership.

The initiative was established for the council to dispose of surplus assets and deliver development opportunities.

The store boasts an in-store bakery, longer-style tills with dual packing facilities, customer toilets, baby changing facilities and parking for cars and bicycles.

A Lidl spokeswoman said: "The supermarket marks a substantial investment in Maryport and forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion plans in the UK."

Lidl also wants to build a store in Cockermouth.

It has applied to Allerdale Council for permission to demolish Fairfield Garage, Travis Perkins and West Cumberland Farmers and build a replacement pet and equestrian store and food store.