British Home Stores is back with a vengeance, offering the latest high street trends at value for money prices, writes Francine Miller.

A new season, new designs and new campaigns to win back the core customers that so many fashion houses see as the mainstay of their annual profits. Yes, the schools are back and the battle of the high-street stores has begun and Bhs in The Harlequin Shopping Centre, Watford, was no exception last week, when it hosted an autumn fashion show, while raising funds for The Peace Hospice.

First opened in 1928, British Home Stores was at one time considered stagnant in terms of innovative fashion, but the store has undergone a massive revamp since May 2000, after billionaire retailer Philip Green bought Bhs from the Storehouse Group.

Now the company is making assertive moves towards catering for its "core" customer youngsters and tweenagers with the introduction of the Tammy range.

With all this in mind, there was ample curiosity as to what Bhs had on offer this season, as modelled by staff members, Peace Hospice volunteers and members of the Eastcote Lawn Tennis Club last Thursday evening.

And the result? Well, Philip Green appears to be living up to his promise of a fashion renaissance. Across all ranges, Bhs has provided the latest trends at modest prices.

Bargain buys for ladies this season include the pink bolero, £16, denim embroidered skirt, £28 and the stone mandarin collar jacket, £23. But equally there is a great range in both casuals and formal wear for youngsters. The beige embroidered gilet, £16 and pink and beige twin set, £10, look set to be a big hit with tweenager girls this season, while boys can choose from an ample selection of smart casual suits.

Store manager Tim Dowds, said Bhs was now following a "fit for purpose, value for money" strategy, guaranteed to woo those "core" customers. And his advice to those who have strayed: "If you looked at us years ago, give us another go the difference is clear." Indeed it is.