ALLOA'S new Lidl store is set to open next week with a special day of bargains on offer for the first customers through the doors.

The German company has confirmed that its store on Clackmannan Road will open its doors to customers at 8am on Thursday, September 26, replacing its existing store on Candleriggs.

Customers are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8am and will be offered the chance to sample some of Lidl's products throughout the day.

Officials also say there will be some exclusive deals and offers on selected products for the first week of opening.

A spokesperson for the company has also confirmed to the Advertiser that the staff in the existing store will transfer to the new shop, and that the Candleriggs site will close permanently as a result.

In a further boost to the local economy, there will be up to 20 new jobs created in the area as a direct result of the store.

Lidl GB's Regional Head of Property, Gordon Rafferty, said: "We would like to thank all those who have played a part in improving our Lidl store in Alloa.

"It is great for us to be able to create more jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we can't wait to start serving our multi-award winning products to the local community once again."

The new Clacks supermarket forms part of Lidl's ongoing expansion and regeneration plans in the UK which will see it open up to 50 new stores a year and its 100th Scottish store, in early 2020.

The sales area of the supermarket has increased in size to 1,325m² and facilities including a bakery, customer toilets, baby changing and ample parking for both cars and bicycles.