76574-103FORMER pop star and gardening celebrity Kim Wilde has opened the refurbished Wyevale Garden Centre.

Kim, who had 19 top 40 hits including Kids in America, cut the ribbon and mingled with shoppers on Saturday.

Caitlin Townsend, six, of Priory Vale, Swindon, joined her as a VIP at the ceremony after winning an Advertiser competition.

"It was very exciting but a bit scary," she said.

A host of entertainers including a stilt walker and jazz band as well children's favourite Noddy added to the fun.

Kim, who also signed copies of her new book Gardening for Children, said she became hooked on horticulture while studying it at college and was determined to create an outdoor paradise for her son Harry, seven, and daughter Rose, five.

"I was brought up in the countryside and my parents' garden was beautiful," she said.

"I wanted a decent garden for the children." Kim, who has a sweet pea named after her and is entering this year's Chelsea Flower Show, said she was impressed with the new-look Swindon store.

"There is a sea of fantastic plants and I look forward to doing a bit of shopping," she said.

The centre in Hyde Road, Stratton St Margaret, boasts a larger indoor shopping area and improved plant area. It includes a Maidenhead Aquatics tropical fish centre, Cotton Traders clothing, conservatories, hot tubs and spas, paving supplies and garden machinery.

Garden centre manager Dale Lewis said: "The refurbishment puts us back on the map as being the biggest garden centre in Swindon. We are now giving a lot more choice to our customers."