One of the UK's leading supermarket chains has announced it will scrap its click-and-collect service next week, affecting shoppers at the Shepton Mallet store.

Aldi's decision will impact ten stores across Somerset and North Somerset, with the service officially ending on Monday, August 19.

In an email to customers, Aldi UK explained that the move is part of a strategy to improve 'operational efficiency' while maintaining its focus on providing high-quality products at low prices.

A spokesperson for Aldi said: "At Aldi, our focus is on providing customers with high-quality products at the lowest possible prices. One of the ways we keep our prices low for customers is by running the most efficient supermarket business in Britain. As a result, we've made the decision to bring our Click & Collect service to an end so we can focus on doing just that."

The click-and-collect service, which launched in September 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, allowed customers to collect online orders without physical contact. By 2021, it was available at over 200 locations across the UK.

However, the service will be discontinued at ten Somerset stores, including Shepton Mallet, on Monday. Shoppers who have already placed orders will still be able to collect them before the deadline.