Romford Aldi celebrates opening with Team GB star Ryan Owens

Plans to turn the Rom Valley Way Mothercare World into an Aldi were given the green light by Havering Council last December. 

The chain announced last month that it would be welcoming customers from 8am on November 17, with fresh fruit and vegetables handed out to the first 50 customers. 

• READ MORE: Havering restaurants win big at this year’s Good Food Awards

Cycling silver medallist Ryan Owens was joined by pupils from Hylands Primary School as the ribbon was cut opening the new store. 

Children at the school were also tasked with creating a poster showing what healthy eating means to them, with the winner receiving a £20 gift voucher.

Ryan Owens with the pupil who won the £20 voucher for their poster on healthy eating (Image: Aldi Stores UK)Ryan Owens said he hoped he was able to 'inspire the pupils to keep active and try different sports' (Image: Aldi Stores UK)Store manager Ana Maniakina said: “It’s been a wonderful morning here at the opening of Aldi Romford.

"It was lovely to welcome our new customers into store, and I look forward to meeting more of the community in the coming weeks.

"I’m also thrilled that we’ve been able to support Hylands Primary School through our partnership with Team GB.” 

Store manager Ana Maniakina said she was 'thrilled' to support Hylands Primary School through Aldi's partnership with Team GB (Image: Aldi Stores UK)

Mr Owens added: “I’ve had a fantastic time opening the new Aldi this morning. It was an honour to officially open the store and welcome customers inside for the first time. 

“It was great to speak with the children at Hylands Primary School about the importance of eating healthily and how it can be fun to plan and prepare meals as a family.  

“Hopefully I’ve also managed to inspire the pupils to keep active and try different sports.” 

To get the latest news and features direct to your inbox, sign up for one of our newsletters here.