KIDDERMINSTER Harriers had an additional fixture on their hands when they turned out in force for the official opening of a brand new KHFC store.

The club shop is situated at the Piano Building on the Weavers Wharf retail park and will present shoppers with the opportunity to buy Harriers merchandise in addition to match, coach and event tickets.

The shop has been launched in partnership with BMet College who helped create Harriers thriving Football Academy back in 2010 and is situated adjacent to the college's restaurant.

Harriers chairman Colin Gordon said: "We have to take the club to our community - we shouldn't be expecting them to travel to us and this is the perfect way to do it.

"The club has to engage with the community which we are doing on many levels now. Hopefully it will help drive ticket sales for us.

"It's so important the club stays connected with its fan base and a big part of that is making us easily accessible to the community.

"Harriers have wanted to do this for some time and are delighted that BMet can support us on this project. It really demonstrates the strength of our partnership."

Kelly Perks-Bevington, head of marketing at Kidderminster Harriers, added: "We are really excited about this. I think it has been a long time coming.

"We're always trying to be more accessible to our fans and I think the town centre, especially Weavers Wharf, is such a hub of activity. It's fantastic to have something the fans can come to and they haven't got to travel too far like they may have to if going to Aggborough when it's not a match day.

"It has been a slight natural progression. We have always talked about it but the partnership the club has with the college is something we're embracing further. They have a beautiful building here and it all fell into place quite neatly and we're really excited. I think the unit captures the modern vibe the club is trying to take."