Knitting classes and jam-making planned
The Women's Institute (WI) is to open a branch at stylish department store Selfridges on Oxford Street.

The London store labelled the move as the WI receiving 'fashion's seal of approval'.

The Selfridges Women's Institute will aim to be just like a traditional country branch and offer advice on everything from cooking to the latest fashion, beauty and home-styling trends.

Selfridges buying and merchandising director Ann Pitcher said: 'We are delighted to be opening the first in-store branch of the WI. We won't be ignoring the WI heartland either and will be organising knitting classes - and hope to tackle jam-making this summer.'

Any woman who works or shops at the store will be eligible for membership. The first meeting is scheduled to take place later this spring.