MARKS and Spencer's £1m refit in Swindon should dispel any doubts that the store is stuffy and out of date, according to manager Leanne Spackman.

The Regent Street branch has spent the past eight weeks undergoing a Changing Rooms-style refurbishment. It re-launched yesterday (Thursday) to offer shoppers "the ultimate retail experience," according to Ms Spackman, 29.

She says the store's new Revive caf, Blue Harbour range of men's fashions, food ordering service, homeware and lingerie should go some way to erasing the popular misconception that M&S is just for the older woman.

"There is nowhere else quite like this in Swindon," said Ms Spackman. "We want to try and attract young people, but not alienate our traditional customers so there really is something for everyone.

"One of the most asked questions was 'Where are the toilets?' so we have installed them and a children's fitting room as well."

Advising women who have had a breast removed is not something traditionally associated with M&S lingerie staff. Specially-trained advisors now offer a discreet service for women have had a mastectomy, but still want to look and feel sexy.

Glen Hayward, 62, is one such trained advisor. Having battled breast cancer herself, she knows the importance of sensitivity.

"We have been trained and liaise with Princess Margaret Hospital's cancer care unit," she said. "If women need to try a bra then they phone me, but I also try to encourage them to visit the breast cancer charity Breakthrough and a lot do.

"Woman who have had a breast removed still want to feel sexy, and they are so grateful. It's like a form of counselling and we get so many letters thanking us for our help."

Cutting the ribbon at the re-launch was longest-serving employee, Pat Gough, 49, of Wroughton. Mrs Gough has worked at the store for 33 years.

"I must have worked in every single department since I've been here, but the whole place just looks so much fresher and brighter," she said.

Working at the Swindon branch has become something of a family affair for Ms Spackman. Her grandmother Myrtle Grant, 76 and aunt, Bev Grant, 40, both worked at the store and younger brother James, 17, turns his hand to retail when not studying at college.