Lidl Cockermouth opened its doors to the public in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday morning.

Senior acquisitions consultant for Lidl North West, Steve Wilson, welcomed customers to the concept store, saying the opening was a little later than they planned.

Cockermouth town mayor Julie Laidlow cut the ribbon to the entrance at 8am, and was pleased to officially declare the store open for business.

Speaking to the mayor after the opening, she said: "I think it's fabulous. Any store like this in the town centre which is also allowing one and a half hours free parking will generate more footfall to Cockermouth and improve the economy for the town.

"The building is beautiful, it has been sympathetically done."

Regional head of property for Lidl, David Murphy, was at the opening and said: "The concept store is ultimately a functional store but also very customer focused with spacious aisles, a vaulted ceiling and a fully glazed, full height, shop front."

He said there is a sustainable heating and ventilation system which will recycle heat from the refrigeration system to reheat the store when cold and warm up the store during cold temperatures. He said there are also sensored and timed lighting, ensuring that the lights go off when they are not in use.

On the outside appearance of the store Mr Murphy said: "We have worked closely with Allerdale council, we were aware of the Cockermouth conservation area and this is why we have enhanced the store with stone."

David Street will be the store's new manager. He has transferred from the Lidl Wigton branch, where he worked for a year. He said: "I am delighted it's opened and excited for the future."

Shoppers enjoyed getting a first look at the store and were offered some free samples on their way in.

Chris Smith was visiting with granddaughter Daisy Smith, nine, she said: "Lidl is going to be handy, especially the in-store bakery."

Netta Hull, from Cockermouth, said she had never shopped in Lidl before and saw a leaflet advertising a radio that she wanted. She found the radio that she wanted to buy and was also impressed with all the different foods that were available.

Mr and Mrs Chambers, from Cockermouth, are no strangers to the store, having shopped in Maryport and Carlisle Lidl previously. Mrs Chambers said: "We are used to Lidl, but it will save us a journey to Maryport. It's handy having it here. I am pleased with the outside, it's in-keeping with the area."

Keith Lambert, from Cockermouth, said: "I think it's brilliant. It's been a long time coming. I used to have to go to Maryport for my Yum Yums, I can come here now. I'm going to be shopping here a lot."

Mr Lambert was served by Elvin Jarvis at the check out. Elvin said: "It is great to have a new challenge and I am looking forward to working in a brand new store."

The store will be open Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm.