A new shoe store, specialising in sports and casual shoes for men, women and children will officially open in Regent Arcade this week.

Skechers is the second biggest athletic footwear brand in the US and now it's headed for Cheltenham. The store will create 12 new jobs in the town.

During the opening weekend (Friday - Saturday) the store will be running a lucky dip, where every customer will win a prize ranging from a £5 money-off voucher to a free pair of shoes.

Centre manager Scott Lahive: "Skechers told us that the Regent Arcade was their location of choice in Cheltenham, which is testament to the hard work and investment that the landlord and our existing retailers have put in to making our centre Cheltenham's best.

"We extend a warm welcome to the new Skechers' team and wish them every success. It's an exciting brand and one we're delighted to add to the growing number of big names in our shopping centre."

The store opening will be performed by Cheltenham resident Margaret Mason, possibly Skechers' oldest fan at the age of 86.

Skechers has 2,400 stores worldwide. The new Cheltenham store is part of the franchise which already has stores in Bristol and Bath. There is also a Skechers outlet at Gloucester Quays.