EXTREME sports fanatics have a new shop in Melksham in which to satisfy all their thrill-seeking needs.

Ex-Aqualeisure employee Stuart White, 30, set up Snow and Skate at the Old Stable Market, in the High Street in November.

He decided to go it alone after a stint as manager of Aqualeisure in Bath and two years in research and development at the MoD.

The shop stocks all kinds of equipment for snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding and inline skating including boards, clothing and accessories for both men and women.

He also offers full servicing for snowboards and skis so customers can have them re-waxed and edged after ripping it up on the slopes.

He said: "I've always wanted to do this, ever since I started skateboarding.

"When Aqualeisure closed I just thought now's the right time.

"We do everything from luggage to thermals to hats, socks and belts for snowboarding.

"For skateboarding we do trucks, wheels, bearings and DVDs among other things."

Mr White, who has been skateboarding since the age of 11 and snowboarding since 18, set up the shop with a little help from his father and partner.

His main priority is going to be to make sure all of his stock is paid for as soon as it's in the shop, to avoid falling into a common trap for retailers of having unsold and unpaid-for stock lying around.

The store he hopes should deter people from driving to similar ones in Bristol or Bath and spending £5/£6 on fuel and extra on parking and keep them shopping in Melksham.

Mr White is also going to offer an ordering system so that people can order in whatever they want from his suppliers if they put down a deposit.

His website and online shop is still in its early stages but will offer a wide range of clothing and accessories to buy too.

Mr White added: "It's a passion that's turned into a job so hopefully it will turn out ok.

"If it progresses I'll grow to what it needs to be but I'm not going to make it massive.

"I'm just going to take it a bit at a time, it's the only way to do it in this business.

"Just buying in small amounts and seeing what are the best sellers and do it like that."

The shop is open 9-5.30pm Monday to Saturday, call (01225) 792979 or visit http://snowandskate.wiltshirespc.org