THE biggest store in the Cotswold villages has opened its doors in Broadway.

The Landmark store in the High Street is now believed to be the fifth biggest independent retailer of its type in the country.

The latest £500,000 expansion scheme has seen the shop floor double in size to 4,000 square feet - and it has been widely praised by villagers.

The new build, at the rear of the existing store, has not impacted on the look of the High Street.

Landmark first opened its doors seven years ago as a single shop of between 500-1000 square feet. Since then two more shops have been absorbed and altogether more than £1m has been spent on the development.

Director Martin Aspinall said that local people had been delighted with the management of the development and were proud to have the store in the village.

The store, which deals in walking, hiking, adventure and travel clothing and equipment, is now believed to be the fifth largest store of its kind in the country.

The new extension opened last Friday without fanfare, although an official opening is being planned and is expected to take place in about three weeks time.

Mr Aspinall said: "Without a doubt it is the biggest store in any of the Cotswold villages and people in Broadway are happy to have us here.

"We are all delighted with the outcome of the latest expansion and we hope to see the business go from strength to strength."

Mr Aspinall's company also runs three other businesses in the High Street - Cotswold Training, Melt, a gift and gadget shop, and Cotswold Collections.