Maryport's new Lidl supermarket has enjoyed a bumper first week of trading.

Manager David Robinson said: “The store has been busy all week.”

The only blip during the first few days was the failure of a chiller, which stopped working for about two hours.

Mr Robinson said: “We offered some customers free goods to make up for the inconvenience.”

A Lidl spokeswoman said the chiller problem had nothing to do with the fact that the store is operating on generators because it has been unable to get permission from neighbouring Co-op for power lines to be laid through its property.”

She added: “We are now identifying an alternative route to connect to mains power and should be on mains power by the end of the year.”

The shop has attracted customers from all over West Cumbria and as far as Whitehaven.

Workington shopper Julia Teasdale paid her first visit to the store on Thursday and said: “I’ll have to try the goods before I judge but I’ve bought cookies and cookie-making ingredients.”

Alison Todd, of Maryport, said she enjoyed her shopping experience but added: “I will still go to the Co-op for some things.”

Love Maryport Town Team chairwoman Debbie Wright said she had heard nothing but good comments about Lidl.

She said: “The town is really buzzing. Everyone is talking about it. The company has told us that they hope the whole town will benefit and I believe it will.”

Mayor Linda Radcliffe welcomed Lidl to the town last week and said: “It is a tremendous boost to the town and a service that the people of Maryport deserve.

“I am delighted they are here and I hope it will encourage Maryport people to stay in town and attract visitors from outside.”