Ref. 27795-12PARACHUTISTS were prevented from dropping in at the opening of a new all-weather shop by the weather.

Wind and rain put paid to the scheduled appearance of the six-strong Silver Stars for the first day's trading of the new Cotswold Outdoor shop at Cotswold Water Park.

In spite of the South Cerney-based parachutists not being able to appear, there were other attractions for the dozens of visitors, including a visit from Andrew Cooney, who earlier this year became the youngest person, at 23, to walk to the South Pole.

The opening of the store also represented the opening of the first part of the new Gateway Centre at the park.

The next phase, a visitor centre providing tourist information about the whole of the park, will be opened in March by botanist and television personality Dr David Bellamy, who is patron of the Cotswold Water Park Society.

Simon Pickering, acting chief executive of the Cotswold Water Park, said: "The water park is all about people getting out and enjoying the countryside, lakes and wildlife.

"For that, you need the right outdoor gear and to know where you are going.

"The new Gateway Centre will provide just that."

He added: "It has taken 36 years since the designation of the water park to get the centre open, and credit must be given to a huge number of organisations and individuals who have worked toward this goal over the years."

Backers include the Countryside Agency, the Department of Trade and Industry and several councils.

All visitors to the new store until the close of trading yesterday were entitled to a 20 per cent discount on fleeces and various other special offers.

bhudson@newswilts.co.uk