OLYMPIC silver medallist and world champion badminton player Gail Emms was welcoming the first customers at the opening of a new B&Q store in Park Farm Road, Folkestone today.

Gail will mark the occasion by hitting a shuttlecock over a specially installed Badminton net in-store.

Gail shot to fame after winning a silver medal with her partner Nathan Robertson at the last Olympics in Athens.

She will meet the B&Q Folkestone's staff, including 100 new recruits, share her Olympic experiences with them as well as and sign autographs.

Store manager Bill O’Riley will also be on hand to greet customers and showcase the store’s new kitchen and bathroom displays.