The Colchester branch of Marks & Spencer is celebrating the first anniversary of a revamp that has helped change the company's fortunes.

A year ago, hundreds of M&S stores, including the ones at Colchester and Chelmsford, underwent a major refurbishment to turn around the ailing business.

The result: business boomed by 15 per cent overall with clothes sales soaring 20 per cent.

To celebrate, the Colchester store has been holding a three-day fun, food and fashion festival. Money is also being raised for the Rainbow of Hope, a charity for those with speech and learning difficulties.

Sue Morgan, senior section manager, said: "It's been a wonderful year in which all have participated to the full. Everyone is thrilled the way things have gone and the celebrations have been enjoyed by staff and public alike."

Published Friday November 1, 2002