Updating your wardrobe for spring and summer need not be an expensive business.

Women's Editor Christen Pears goes to one of the regions discount retail outlets in search of bargains.

AS the weather hots up, it's time to think about putting away those woolly jumpers and opaque tights. Spring/summer 2003 calls for military style, oriental prints and 1950s-inspired chic. Just a couple of pieces can bring your wardrobe right up to date but finding the right outfit at the right price can be tricky.

Tynedale Retail Park, one of the North-East's largest discount retail and leisure outlets, is celebrating the arrival of spring in style with a showcase of new season fashions.

The Hexham store carries a huge range of famous name fashion brands at up to 50 per cent off high street prices and is fast becoming a Mecca for stylish bargain hunters from around the region.

Shoppers can browse in more than 30 departments, including ladies and menswear, footwear, outdoorwear, lingerie and sportswear. There are more than 100 top name brands to choose from, including Jaeger, Country Casuals, Betty Barclay, Elle, Timberland, Liz Claiborne, French Connection, Clarks, Gabor and Ecco. But it's the discounts which really excite bargain hunters.

As with all discount outlets, there is lots of end-of-line and surplus stock, but there are also plenty of new season ranges. For ladies, there are floaty, spring separates from Liz Claiborne, dramatic tailoring from Planet and feminine pastels from Jacques Vert.

As well as classic looks, the Jaeger range includes sharp military pieces in shades of khaki and olive green. For younger shoppers, Ben Sherman offers relaxed dressing with J-Lo style tracksuits. Liz Claiborne also includes bold, 50s-style prints.

And for the men there's retro chic from Ben Sherman and French Connection, sporty classics from Reebok and Adidas and new season basics from Farah and Wolsey.

Tynedale Retail Park opened in 1989, concentrating mainly on home and garden products but re-opened last year after a £1m overhaul, with a substantial clothing department. The ten acre site which comprises 150,000 sq ft of retail space, boasts more than 30 departments, including clothing and homeware, as well a 300-seater caf/restaurant, garden centre, and furniture store. It is situated just off the A69 at Hexham.