Well,I may not be the latest Pop Idol but my dog-walking pals have voted me MISS.MILLETS! I have won this title since Santa Claus "waterproofed" me ready for the New Year ahead.

When I was younger,the idea of entering Millets was unthinkable. At the grand old age of 36,this weary walker of a lively young labrador decided to quit the 3-wet-coats-a day syndrome and I visited my local Eastbourne store in search of a waterproof jacket.

It didn't seem so scarey on Christmas Eve as my boyfriend was paying! He seemed attentive and caring about my winter well-being so I felt optimistic (only to discover later that he was relieved at knowing what to get me for christmas as he always leaves it to the last minute).Of course,he is not as daft as he looks, as he now sends me out in the rain as I have all the kit!

Right,I must get on with it! Millets is an outdoor goods store.In my area,the only store of its type.Most of you can picture it with its green and yellow logo and frontage.Millets seems to have been around forever so it must be doing well,despite its unfair image.I always thought it was only for campers and ramblers,those "real" outdoor people,full of frumpy anoraks,rucksacks and tents.

How wrong I was! I am now proud to admit that I have been in there FOUR TIMES since Christmas.Discovering their range of goods and clothing has been fun and helpful to me,meeting my own needs and also good gifts for family.

You do not have to be a daily walker,camper,skier or fisherman to find Millets useful.They sell modern,wearable and even funky gear,as well as more traditional classic ranges.

SO WHAT DO THEY SELL?

Outdoor clothing,equipment and leisurewear.Good quality,from the budget end of the market to top brands.Plenty of choice,ranging from walking boots,trendy fleeces to ski wear and travel accessories.

Millets has an extensive selection of clothing,even a range especially tailored for women for a more flattering and comfortable fit.So we can enjoy womens styles without wearing the same waterproofs as the milkman or the paperboy! You do not need to be a serious walker to like their stylish and/or practical clothing,suitable for everyday use.

My new outfit consists of a new trendy purple/grape jacket,in a womens style fully waterproof and windproof (wind? that caused a laugh on christmas day after eating sprouts).This jacket is from the Peter Storm range, with all the clever tailoring to keep warm amd dry,with its own fleece that zips inside for extra warmth.Map pocket and secret pocket too!The other main ranges are Regatta and the famous Berghaus,ranging from casual,showerproof to high performance Gore-Tex,Thermo Tech,Storm Tech garments.Prices range from £39.99 to £149.99 and some casual jackets start around £20.I notice that women sizes go up to 18,whereas most sport shops don't do larger than skinny size 12/14's.

I also have a pair of waterproof windproof fully lined trousers,womens fit,available in black or navy.
These have been an excellent buy as they can be worn alone (well,with a coat please) or as over- trousers.
I like wearing them as normal trousers but found them chilly so I now wear them as over trousers which keep my own dry and free from mud.If you stop in a pub, you can remove the filthy wet over-trousers to keep on your dry clean ones underneath.Cost 24.99 but ordinary trail trousers (only used as over-trousers)will cost a mere £17.99. Millets sell other types of trousers,designed for leisure,trekking or any activity ranging from 24.99 in mens and womens styles,some are clever zip offs!

My boyfriend also invested in some walking boots for me.We found a great pair for 59.99,reduced from 79.99.
Womens sizes go up to size 8 but I had to have mens in a size 9,so I look like I'm about to walk on the moon in my boots.My boots are Gore Tex and have been invaluable so far.I wish that I had bought these years ago! Millets sells an incredible range of footwear.They have the traditional brown leather style to the modern ,suede or Nubuck type.All are high quality with modern technology for all weather conditions.I was impressed that our small store catered for everybodys needs and the staff are helpful,friendly and very knowledgeable about the products.I always thought walking boots would cost around £100 but was surprised to see that they started at £39.99.

So I am now waterproof from head to toe.Shame they dont sell matching dog leads!I am sure I would not get wet if I stood in this gear under the shower! I have found all my kit to be warm,dry and comfortable.It is even socially acceptable to admit it all came from Millets! My friends immediately named me Miss.Millets as I couldnt stop talking about the store (yes,sad I know, but Eastbourne is full of oldies).These friends have all since shopped in Millets,so I should be on commission.

I like their womens fleeces,funky hats and accessories.I bought my mum some trail trousers,treated the boyfriend to a smart fleece,bought my young cousin a trendy rucksack,a sleeping bag for my brother,and found myself a innovative secure tiny bag for my valuables which sits hidden under my coat.My friend got herself a waterproof coat for £100,reduced from £150.So Millets has really proved itself as THE place to go for an outdoor comfortable life!

In addition, Millets still sells the specialist products for seriously active customers.Anything from ski goggles,compasses,walking poles,muddy boot covers (makes a change from carriers bags!)stoves,backpacker tents,penknives,hiking gaiters,socks,flasks and clever torches and gadgets.I am impressed by the reasonable prices,good quality and also the support that the company gives to other affiliated organisations.

Memebership of the YHA,Ramblers and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is availble instore with various discounts and advice provided. Well,you do have to do something with all that kit you buy!

Millets has its own Home Shopping Catalogue service and can be contacted on 0800 389 5861 or visit
www.millets.co.uk

Happy walking,camping or trekking!