STAFF from a toy shop in Stroud have unveiled its brand-new store at the town's shopping centre.

The Mayor of Stroud Cllr Tony Davey cut the ribbon on the new Ducklings toy store which has doubled the town centre space the business has to stock a  range of toys and games as well as hosting regular collector’s events, activities and swap sessions.

The family-owned and managed store can be found at Five Valleys in the main mall area, near to Sports Direct and the street food market. 

Freya the Chocolate Rabbit also made a guest appearance at the centre for the special launch event.

Ducklings has been based at Union Street in the town for the last four years and has sister stores in Marlborough and Royal Wootton Bassett.

Owner Colin Pattison and his son Josh say the move has meant recruiting more staff and given the business much more space to expand.

The new store features a larger range of current popular toys, such as LEGO and Playmobil as well as allowing space for new brands including Funko and Yoto and seasonal gifts including advent calendars.

Stroud store manager Josh said: “We are so pleased with the new store and the space it has given us, this is double the size of the previous store and we are really excited to be able deliver a great experience for our customers.

“Our in-store events – such as Pokémon swap shops – are always popular and we now have more space to put these events on.

"We plan to team up with the vibrant late night Friday food market to also offer more trading card events. There is a great community of businesses at Five Valleys, and we are really pleased to be a part of that.”

The first customer was nine year old Charlie Turner who got up early to buy a Pokémon set.

Cllr Davey said: "It's excellent to see such a popular Stroud shop continue to grow in the town, expanding into new premises.

"Ducklings quickly established itself into the town when they opened just four years ago, a favourite destination for children and adults alike.

"Thank you for inviting me to be part of the next chapter in the success of this wonderful shop."

Erica Malpass, centre manager at Five Valleys, said: "We are so pleased that Ducklings Toy Shop is now open at Five Valleys, the store looks fantastic and is a really great addition to our retail line up here at Five Valleys.

"We wish the whole team all the very best in their new store.”