WANT to buy Jaeger clothes at Marks & Spencer prices? Then get yourself to Hexham. A lot of people do.

It's fast become a favourite spot with Tyneside's ladies who lunch - and who love a bargain. And when you can get names like Jaeger, Planet, Country Casuals and Windsmoor at half price, then who can blame them?

Granted, they are rarely current styles, but as so many of the top labels are timeless classics, then it doesn't really matter.

Tynedale Retail Park opened on the edge of Hexham in 1989, concentrating mainly on home and garden products. But after a £1m refurbishment programme earlier this year it is much bigger, has added a number of new departments, principally ladies' fashions, and a new restaurant that looks down on it all.

It's a discount retailer, offering up to 50 per cent off high street prices, with ends of lines, over stocks, some seconds and many bargains.

It's still very strong on home and garden products - everything from paints and DIY products to leopardskin patterned table mats.

It also has an excellent outdoor section, with Berghaus jackets, Brasher boots and a good selection of shoe bargains. And it still has the well-stocked garden centre that made its name in the early days. The bonus at Tynedale is that it's so close to the town centre. You can park for free and then have a potter round the town. It's a short stroll, though pretty steep. Easy coming back though.

REMEMBER...

As with all discount outlets, there are occasional racks and shelves that look a little sad. And stock can be variable - there's no guarantee that they will have your size/style/colour and will be unlikely to get it. However, if you go with an open mind, there are some incredible bargains to be had. The day we went, this is what we spotted...

* OUTDOOR CLOTHING

Timberland boots £55 (Originally £90).

Craghopper jackets £40 (£60)

Toggi jackets £110 (£165)

Berghaus High Trail jackets £220

Brasher Fellmaster boots £70

Hi-Tec boots £30

Also sleeping bags, rucksacks, hats, scarves and gadgets.

* MENSWEAR

Farah trousers £15 (£30)

Double cuff shirts two for £25

* HOME

Churchill 16-place dinner set £10

Crystal glasses £3

44 piece Oneida cutlery set in wooden tray £50 (£100)

Pimpernel table mats £15.99 (£19.95)

Seconds table mats 75p each

Coloroll ready made curtains £35 (£70)

Fitted sheet, single £10.50 (£15); king size £15.40 (£22)

Lined curtains £19.50 (£39)

Heuga carpet tiles £1.50 each

Dulux One Coat 2.5 litres for £6.95 (£16.50)

Cuprinol Timbercare £5.95 for nine litres (£8.95)

Brabantia stainless steel bin £36 (£50)

Framed pictures of local scenes from £6.95

* SPORTSWEAR

Joggers £14.99 (£24.99)

Umbro joggers £10.99 (£16.99)

Newcastle United strip - child's £24.99 (£29.99) adult's £34.99 (£42.99)

* LADIESWEAR

Jacques Vert dress £89 (£129)

Jacques Vert suit jacket £69 (£139)

Jacques Vert suit skirt £65 (£95)

Precies Petite summer coats £20 (£159)

Dannimac jackets £59 (£129)

Windsmoor coats £99 (£249)

Windsmoor jackets £99 (£209)

Planet jackets £79 (£159)

Planet trousers £49 (£165)

Jaeger jacket £65 (£250)

Jaeger coat £150 (£375)

Jaeger stripey shirts £35 (£50)

Jaeger jumpers £50 (£150)

Jaeger skirts £55 (£130)

Country Casuals jacket £49 (£139)

Country Casuals skirt £39 (£89)

* SHOES

Ecco £29.95 (£59.99)

Clarks boots £35 (£70)

Clarks men's shoes in range of widths, £25 (£50)

Hush Puppies £25 (£40)

* Tynedale Retail Park, Hexham - just off the A69. Open Monday to Friday 10am-pm; Saturday 9.30am-6pm; Sunday 11am-5pm.