Olympian Ellie Downie cut a ribbon to officially open the new Aldi store in Mansfield.

The first 30 customers at the store on Oakleaf Close were given free fruit and vegetables by the gymnastics star.

So far 23 new jobs have been created and Aldi is still recruiting for store assistants.

Following the opening ceremony, Ellie visited Oak Tree Leisure Centre in the town and gave an inspirational speech to budding athletes.

Ellie also talked about the benefits of eating well and cooking with fresh produce as part of Aldi’s Get Set To Eat Fresh.

“I loved paying a visit to the gymnastic club at Oak Tree Leisure Centre as it’s important that we, as athletes, support grass-roots sports,” she said.

“Aldi’s sponsorship is helping many young sportspeople compete at a global level. It’s something we appreciate.”

Matthew Hallam, Aldi store manager, said: “It has been great to have Ellie visit our store as part of our grand opening — it’s not every day you get to meet an Olympian.”

The Mayor of Mansfield, Kate Allsop, who also helped cut the ribbon to open the store, added: “It was inspiring for local young gymnasts to have Ellie visit.

“The benefits of exercise in all its forms is something we want to promote in the district to encourage people to be more active and therefore healthier.”

Carolyn Hallam, sports and community development manager at Mansfield District Leisure Trust, said: “We were thrilled to have a gymnastics superstar at Oak Tree to inspire the next generation of local youngsters to get involved in this great sport.”

Pictured is Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie, second right, opening the store with, from left, Carolyn Hallam, of Mansfield District Leisure Trust, store manager Matthew Hallam, mayor Kate Allsop and Mansfield District Council sports development officer Shaun Hird.