Pupils took a well-deserved break from lessons this morning when they helped an Olympic medallist cut the ribbon at the opening of a supermarket.

Schoolchildren at Willow Brook Primary School in Church Road, Leyton opened the Aldi store with Team GB canoeist Richard Hounslow.

The budget supermarket in Heybridge Way off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton held a ‘Freshtival’ event and donated fruit to the youngsters and the first 30 customers in the queue.

Daria Vasilescu, 10, of Willow Brook Primary School was named winner of the poster competition for her drawing of the store.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Store Manager Saj Palaria, front, with pupils from Willow Brook Primary School. Photo credit: Joel Chant

Mr Hounslow, who won silver medals at the London and Rio Olympics, said: “There were no rough waters this morning. It was a pleasure to chat and take selfies with so many lovely customers.

“It’s especially important to get young people involved with healthy eating from an early age, so it was great to chat with the kids from Willow Bank School today.”

Thirty jobs have been created at the store which has space for over 100 cars in its carpark.

Earlier this year, neighbours hit out at the supermarket giant for felling mature trees containing nests to make way for the carpark.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Poster competition winner Daria Vasilescu, 10, of Willow Brook Primary School with store manager Saj Palaria. Photo credit: Joel Chant

Store manager Saj Palaria, said: “It was unbelievable to have an Olympic athlete with us here today.

“Richard set a great example to the kids from Willow Brook and other shoppers about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“We look forward to welcoming more shoppers over the coming weeks and months.”