With just days to go before Lidl's new Ipswich store opens on the Anglia Retail Park, the nearest Aldi has got its retaliation in first... by opening a new instore bakery.

The major difference between the two German-owned discount stores is that Lidl has always had a tempting fresh bakery stall at its major stores - while Aldi has not.

It is understood that Aldi bosses always felt the extra staff needed for a bakery was uneconomic.

Signs have gone up advertising Lidl's opening (Picture Paul Geater)

However with the new Lidl due to open on Thursday, November 28 - and signs advertising its opening going up at the Bury Road entrance to the retail park - Aldi has hit back at its nearest store, which is in Europa Way off Sproughton Road.

Last week it opened its own bakery with its 59p fresh croissants and a selection of other patisserie delights.

Aldi's almond croissants are just 69p.Aldi's almond croissants are just 69p. (Image: Paul Geater)

The new section seemed popular with shoppers who were keen to try the offers.

Meanwhile at the Anglia Retail Park the final touches are being added to the new Lidl store with some changes to the parking spaces nearby.

Its completion as a stand-alone building on the site of the former B&Q garden centre effectively completes the Anglia Retail Park.

The new Lidl is almost ready to welcome its first customers. (Image: Paul Geater)

The retail park is owned by the council's property company Ipswich Borough Assets to provide an income to support services in the town.

The opening of the new store is likely to attract more regular shoppers to the park and its owner has said it will monitor traffic at the site - although opening just a few weeks before Christmas is likely to generate considerable extra traffic anyway.