SHOPPERS in Swindon now have two more major high street chains in the town centre in which to add flair to their wardrobes.

A larger than normal Monsoon fashion store and Accessorize, an accessory shop, are located in a duel store in Regent's Street.

The shop, which covers 3,300 sq ft, is only one of 40 in the country because it is considered an A grade store one level below a flagship store in terms of size and range of stock.

Swindon Mayor Coun Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham & Nythe) officially opened the shop yesterday. He said: "The store is a wonderful addition to the town centre.

"The urban regeneration company is actually doing a public consultation on how to improve the town centre and some of the feedback, especially from women, is saying we need better shops.

"This shop fits the bill and I hope it will encourage other High Street retailers to come to the town."

He added his wife had an eye on the hat range.

The Mayoress, his wife Pamela, added: "I have been to many Monsoon shops but this one is lovely. It is laid out so well and the stock is so easy to see."

Area manager for the company, Karina Mann, who lives in Liden, said: "The shop is bringing something Swindon hasn't got in terms of shopping which is innovation, fashion and flair.

"The store is larger than an average Monsoon because there is a real market for these kind of clothes. It's been a long time coming."

Founded in 1972, Monsoon focused on clothes with ethnic origins, which were sourced from Malta, India and later, the Far East.

That influence continues today with designers gathering inspiration from around the world to create collections with a strong emphasis on colour, fabric and texture.

The Monsoon section stocks women's clothes, including evening wear, casual clothes and sleep wear and also offers children's clothes, gifts for the home and toiletries.

The chain set up Accessorize in 1984, which stocks jewellery, hats, scarves and accessories, also inspired from Asian and oriental designs.