A new outdoor events space has been created in the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, the additional al fresco space being part of an ambitious ongoing £25m regeneration scheme to boost Stroud's retail offer.

Jack Simpson, manager for The Five Valleys, said: "We launched the new events space over the weekend and the feedback was great from both shoppers and our retailers."

The opening of the new space for visitors to eat and drink in the sun coincided with Stroud's current Festival of Food and Drink and visitors were treated to snacks from Weber BBQ.

Mr Simpson said the area will also be the focus for special events, including live music and entertainment, as well as free family activities.

"The space will be used for local performers, free children's events, mother and toddler groups, evening entertainment, cookery demonstrations, fashion shows and more. As well as providing a colourful area to relax and entertain, the space provides a casual trading spot for a range of different businesses."

Future plans include an ice cream event and a pop-up wine/cocktail bar throughout the year.

Further recent boosts to the centre, which previously operated as the Merrywalks Centre, include additional planting and flags in the mall areas, while work is ongoing to repair the centre's lift.