THE biggest supermarket Swindon has seen is all set to open at 9.45am on Monday.

Asda Wal-Mart in Haydon Wick will be opened by Swindon Mayor David Cox.

Final preparations are under way to welcome the first customers through the doors and work has begun to stock the miles of shelves which will groan with everything from cat food to caviar.

Store manager Mark Pollard said: "The store is almost ready to open. "Colleagues are working extra hard to stock all the shelves and polish the floors. They are all very excited about opening and showing customers around."

At 150,000 square feet, the new store is the first purpose-built Wal-Mart supercentre in the UK.

Others, such as the one opened on the outskirts of Bristol last year, have been converted from existing structures.

Wal-Mart is an American firm that has teamed up with Asda.

In the United States, Wal-Mart has long been part of the shopping landscape, advertising its huge stores on the basis of buying its stock in bulk and passing on price savings to customers.

Not everyone approves of the company. It has been criticised by campaigners who say its low prices represent unfair competition for smaller shops.

Stock and services at Haydon Wick, in addition to traditional supermarket lines, will include home and leisure items, electrical goods, bicycles, toys, a photo shop, a sports shop, an optical shop and clothing by George.

There will also be takeaway counters and themed areas called Curry Pot, China Town and Tex Mex.

At the official opening, Coun Cox will be cutting a giant green ribbon with the help of Brimble Hill special school pupils Heidi Hynes, nine, and Catriona Murray, 10. Heidi won a competition to design a Christmas card to be sold in the store.