Get ready for summer with the Evening Press's shopping night at Fenwick in York. MAXINE GORDON reports

SUMMER is on its way and with it the promise of sun, sea and shopping. There's nothing like sunshine to make you feel like splashing out on a new wardrobe - or at least a fab new outfit and pair of sandals.

To help you get in the mood for summer, the Evening Press has teamed up with the Fenwick department store in York to offer readers the chance to enjoy an exclusive shopping evening.

On Thursday, May 8, the Coppergate department store will open specially from 6-8.30pm, offering Evening Press readers the chance to shop in a relaxed environment.

Music will be provided by swing band Casablanca Steps, and models will be showing off the latest looks for summer in informal fashion shows. Pimms and strawberry tarts will be served in the restaurant and there will be demonstrations in the basement cookshop.

A bread and cake stall will be selling goods baked in the Fenwick restaurant and beauty experts will be on hand in the cosmetics department to answer queries and give advice on the looks for summer. There will also be giveaways and samples to try. A draw will also take place, with Fenwick vouchers worth £250 to be won.

Discounts and promotions will be available across all departments, including cosmetics, women and men's wear, lingerie, swimwear, accessories, cookshop and toys.

There will be free car parking at the Castle car park and the Piccadilly car park.

Admission is by ticket only and Evening Press readers can apply for up to two tickets each by filling out the coupon which appears on the opposite page tonight and will run again over the next few days.

It is the first time Fenwick has organised a summer shopping evening, although for the past 11 years it has run a successful winter event in conjunction with the Daily Telegraph.

Store owner James Fenwick said: "We hope the evening will offer a different type of shopping experience and that Evening Press readers will come along with their family or friends and enjoy the fun as well as a chance to shop in this relaxed atmosphere."

Fenwick stocks many of the leading brands in the fashion world. Max Mara, Betty Barclay, Gerry Weber, Jaeger, Wallis, Coast, Miss Sixty and Diesel are some of the names featured in the first floor women's fashion department, with a broad appeal for all ages.

In the accessories collection, look out for bags from Radley, Tula and Furla as well as a wide range of designer sunglasses from Chanel, Gucci, Dior and Police among others. Fenwick also stocks a fine selection of hats - ideal for that summer wedding or a day out at York races.

Gottex, Elle and Footprints are all present in the swimwear collections while Pretty Polly, Triumph, Gossards, Lejaby and Lepel feature in the lingerie department.

For men, Timberland, Sand, Melka, Pringle and Jaeger are just some of the key designer brands stocked.

Fenwick also houses York's largest fine fragrance and cosmetic department, with expert staff on hand to help you find the perfect product and answer make-up and beauty questions. It will be a great opportunity to find out about the latest cosmetic colours for summer and the newest bronzing and tanning products available - and how to apply them.

Este Lauder, Dior, YSL and Clarins are just some of the companies in the ground-floor cosmetic hall, which also houses an extensive selection of men's and women's fragrances - many exclusive to Fenwick, such as the latest from flamboyant British designer Alexander McQueen.

For food lovers, the downstairs cookshop will be stacked with goods for taking on a summer picnic or for al fresco entertaining in style.

Mr Fenwick said: "This is the perfect opportunity to do your summer shopping. Whatever the occasion, we have a fantastic range of fashions and accessories to suit. We hope Evening Press readers take up this opportunity and come and join us for a special evening."

Updated: 09:27 Tuesday, April 29, 2003