BUDGET supermarket chain Aldi is eyeing a string of sites in Dorset and South Somerset.

The cut-price giant says it has ‘ambitious acquisition and development plans’ across the region and is seeking suitable sites for stores in a number of locations.

Blandford, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Swanage, Wimborne and Wincanton are among towns on the list.

“Our sustained growth means we are continually expanding our property portfolio to help achieve our ever-growing goals for 2022,” a spokesperson said.

“We have ambitious acquisition and development plans and prefer to purchase freehold, town centre or edge of centre sites suitable for property development in towns with a population of 15,000 or more.”

The full list of sites included on the Aldi list is: Blandford, Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Ferndown, Poole, Ringwood, Salisbury, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Swanage, Wareham, Wimborne, Wincanton, Yeovil.