HUGE queues snaked around the car park as Ipswich's newest supermarket opened for business.

HUGE queues snaked around the car park as Ipswich's newest supermarket opened for business.

The town's latest victory in the fight back against recession has finally arrived in Stoke Park, where shoppers are today enjoying a new Asda store.

And if yesterday's opening is anything to go by, trade will be brisk.

Hundreds waited patiently for the doors to open for their chance to see inside the building which has taken two-and-a-half years to complete.

The project stalled in May 2007 when Asda withdrew from the site after its residential partner pulled out.

But the supermarket giant announced last October it had appointed contractors to return.

The official opening included appearances from special guests including Sportacus from the popular children's TV show LazyTown and the mayor of Ipswich, David Goldsmith.

A soundtrack of Caribbean style steel music accompanied the opening and representatives from Team Ipswich put on interactive dance and Tai-Chi demonstrations for shoppers looking to have fun and get active.

General store manager, Steve Clarke, said: “This is what we've all been building up to and we've ensured our shelves are stocked.”

The new store will be involved in the Sporting Chance initiative, allowing shoppers to pick up vouchers for free sports sessions and activities in and around Ipswich.

Mr Clarke added: “With it being Bank Holiday we thought it was important to deliver an opening that encourages families to get active together and to show them that a healthy lifestyle is available at low costs.”

Are you pleased to see the store finally open? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk