John Lewis in Cheltenham is looking forward to spring - with the arrival of a 12ft wellington boot this morning (January 23).

The store is partnering with the Three Counties Showground in Malvern to promote this year's RHS Malvern Spring Festival, which is taking place at the showground on May 11-14.

The show attracts 100,000 visitors from around the country every year.

Jane Lewis, head of shows at Three Counties Showground, said: "Both John Lewis and the Three Counties Showground are very interested in charitable objectives, and are coming from the same point of view of putting more back into the local area. Our demographic is similar, so we're all looking to target the same audience and give a great experience to visitors to the show and the store.

"We've got a great show planned for this year. We've got the giant floral marquee with more than 60 nurseries in there and a new tips and tricks area, where people can learn a new skill and not have to spend a fortune in the garden.

"It's great to see so many people interested in gardening, because it's so therapeutic and just a lovely hobby. It's a national show and we're really proud to host it at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern."

Claire Hester, brand experience manager at John Lewis & Partners in Cheltenham, said: "It's part of our Partnership Plan to support events, activities and charities in the whole area, including the Malvern catchment, so this is very much in line with our ethos here.

"We're all really looking forward to warmer days and the spring show coming up."

While the store is looking forward to warmer days, it is also celebrating a successful Christmas, which saw cashmere, slow cookers, jewellery and heated blankets among the big sellers.

Ms Hester continued: "We exceeded our own hopes and expectations. During the six weeks up to Christmas, during the day, we had 5,000 people walking through.

"A lot of people were using our Place to Eat restaurant, as well as shopping, and coming to the Christmas events and activities that we have in store."