A menswear and country clothing store in Cirencester which opened just a month before lockdown has experienced a tremendous bounce-back.

Brook Taverner in Dyer Street is one of eight stores owned by the West Yorkshire-based business.

Punchline editor Mark Owen popped in to see store manager Benjamin Lappin who said: "2020 was an incredibly tough year for us but in 2021 we bounced back fantastically and 2022 is increasing on that so we could not be happy with what we've experienced in Cirencester so far.

"I absolutely love Cirencester - what a vibrant town with a great local buzz about the place, lots of interesting and unique businesses and people who really want to shop and support their high street.

"That's been represented by our foot flow into the store with our performance which has been nothing short of fantastic and it's great to see other businesses succeeding in the same way, because the more success we have the more business we bring to our fantastic town."

Benjamin added: "We have four staff but we are in the market for one more which is a sign of how we are doing."

As for the current fashions, he said: "We're moving into our spring collection in full flow. Anything that's a linen blend, lots of light-coloured cotton but we like to do things in a punchier way. Printed shirts are certainly the de rigeur of the moment, lots of gents love wearing those with a brightly coloured trouser with a smart jacket to go with it, but we do everything - we've got you covered.

"We like to use UK fabrics where we can possibly source them. Our wool linen suits have been absolute best sellers, even with the inclement weather we've been experiencing. People are thinking optimistically towards the summer ahead, particularly with weddings as well."