SHOPPERS descended on a Sussex supermarket in the middle of the night to grab a bargain at its official launch today.

The new Aldi discount superstore at Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne, opened its doors at 8am and by then more than 250 customers had formed a huge queue.

Golden tickets were given away to the first 100 people in the queue, including builder Lee Sayers, 45, of Sumach Close, Eastbourne, who was the first to arrive at 3am.

He said: "I had said to my family that I would get up early and go, so once I made that promise I thought I had better do it. I had the first golden ticket and I’ve got a 40-inch colour TV worth £250.

"I understand they are selling the TVs cheap today, at £150, but I’m still pleased because I’ve got something for nothing. Yes, it was well worth the wait."

Another keen customer, Jason Smith, of Percival Road, turned up at 4.30am.

"I’ve got a golden ticket which means I have won a free coffee capsule machine. I would have preferred the TV but it’s still a free gift," he said.

Aldi staff were also giving away Dyson DC50 Multi-floors, Tablet PCs, Classic Food Mixers and bags of Aldi shopping to eager waiting customers.

Eastbourne Deputy Mayor Jim Murray told customers at the official opening he was delighted Aldi has decided to move into what is a former rundown industrial site.

"This new store has created 40 extra jobs for the local community, and it is a welcome boost to the town’s economy," he said.

Aldi Store Manager, Pa Bayo said: "The team and I are really delighted at the reaction to the store opening, and with some great golden ticket prizes up for grabs, we were always hopeful of a good turnout on the morning of the opening.”

The first Aldi store opened in Germany in 1914, and by 1948 there were four locations. It expanded into Great Britain in 1990 and now has 4,000 stores worldwide.