Supermarket chain Lidl is opening one of its largest stores in the UK today.

The Curzon Street supermarket, which is one of the chain's largest in the UK, will be officially opened by Allerdale councillor Carni McCarron-Holmes, with town mayor Linda Radcliffe and Allerdale mayor Celia Tibble attending.

The German discount company 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.

Lidl 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."

The arrival of the supermarket has meant changes to the road layout on Curzon Street Two turning lanes are being created for traffic travelling from Netherhall Corner and Workington to turn into Lidl and the Spar garage.

A traffic refuge is being installed to help pedestrians cross the road. The existing pavement, on the Lidl side of the road, will also be altered to allow vehicle access.

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.