AS it is Christmas, I would like to extend my thanks to all the people of Malvern, Ledbury, Colwall, Upton and other parts of the Malvern's area, who have supported Malvern Outdoors during its first nine months of existence.

Many of you have passed on your good wishes and agreed with me that Malvern has needed a dedicated outdoors clothing and equipment shop to cater for walkers on the Hills. It has been rewarding to see that, in this instance, the people of the Malvern's have not left their good wishes in Malvern and taken their trade to Worcester. This, I expect, has killed many a young business in the past, which has left a legacy of charity shops and empty premises.

With luck, and foresight, Malvern people can rebuild their town centre into something worthwhile. But it will require us working together for each other. This is a role in which I see the Town Council as being instrumental.

I hope that a spirit of common purpose will supersede the bitterness and acrimony that seems to prevail at the moment.

As newcomers to business, the support of other trades and the Town Council has been invaluable. It has been a salutary experience in these days of take, take, take, to find so many people and organisations who are happy to give, and to give freely. I would like this to continue.

At Malvern Outdoors, we hope to be able to continue to serve the community in our specialised capacity well into the future, and we hope to enjoy your continued support. We may be just the catalyst to encourage other speciality shops to open and add to the reasons for staying in Malvern to do your shopping.

We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

PAUL FERGUSON, Malvern Outdoors Ltd, Church Street, Malvern.