PARALYMPIAN Deb Criddle will open a furniture store to mark a 'grand launch weekend' to raise cash for the Somerset Flood Relief Centre in Huntworth.

Deb, who won a gold medal at London 2012, will open Harveys Furniture at Priory Fields Retail Park, Taunton, on Saturday, May 10 at 11am.

The golden girl of British horse dressage will be joined by Taunton volunteer police cadets, who will be bringing a police vehicle and other equipment for visitors to try on Saturday and Sunday.

Cadets will also be setting up 'stocks' and inviting visitors to throw wet sponges at them in exchange for a donation.

Cash raised over the weekend will be given to the flood relief centre.

Store manager Liz Haigh said: “The Somerset Flood Relief Centre is such a worthwhile cause, and we're really pleased Deb and the cadets can attend to help raise funds for it.”