Queensgate is to welcome yet another top brand to its retail line-up in 2008. High street fashion chain Jane Norman is set to open in October, bringing its up-to-the-minute range of ladies' clothing to Peterborough for the first time.

The company, which offers a continually updated selection of clothing for fashionable young women, currently has 83 stores across the country, and is expanding rapidly.

Beth Francis, from Jane Norman, explained why the company chose Queensgate as the location for what will be its 92nd store.

She said: "We felt that Queensgate shopping centre would be an ideal location for Jane Norman; not only is it the main shopping centre within

Peterborough, it also offers a varied and fashionable collection of stores, which we felt fitted very well along- side our brand."

Queensgate has also announced plans for its River Island store, which will be re-launching with a brand new shop design later in the year. River Island will move from its current location and will replace the now closed Gap store.

Expanding into two floors, the flagship store will be among the first in the country to feature the company's latest store design. It will also feature Queensgate's first ever River Island men's collection, providing even more choice for shoppers.

The news comes following a host of store openings at the centre in recent weeks, including casual menswear specialist Blue Inc, which opened between Ann Harvey and Bags Etc. this month.

Offering a range of urban clothes including denims, T-shirts and shirts, the store has already proved a hit with the city's young fashion-conscious men.

BBs Coffee and Muffins has also recently arrived outside Long Causeway next to Regis and Boots.

Ideal for shoppers looking for a tasty treat, the café offers a range of hand-mixed, freshly- baked muffins, freshly-prepared sandwiches, smoothies and blended coffees.

A new and exciting jewellery retailer has also opened. Neoscene brings its range of gems and jewels to the mall area outside Republic and TopShop.

Finally, the new John Lewis Home Outlet, which opened next to Paperchase in April, offers top quality ex-display or end-of-line products at discounted prices.

The store is proving a huge success with home-owners looking for good value furniture and furnishings.

Phil Drinkwater, from Queensgate, said: "Our goal at Queensgate is to offer people as much choice as possible when it comes to fashion, home ware and food, and it's fantastic that so many national high street retailers are choosing us for their latest store launches.

"The addition of Jane Norman, Blue Inc, BB's Muffins and Neoscene is fantastic news for the city and helps ensure that our shoppers benefit from the best choice of brands in the region."