Long-sufffering garden gnomes can be protected from the elements for the first time thanks to new miniature raincoats.

The revolutionary new product for the bearded diminutive figures is being launched at Dockside Factory Outlet today.

The Range, at the Chatham Maritime shopping centre, has designed the coats after a deluge of requests from customers.

Market research showed Medway gardeners are becoming increasingly concerned their brightly-coloured friends are getting tarnished by the British weather.

So the store decided to design the waterproof garments, which are the first of their kind.

They are available for a limited period in blue, red and yellow and cost £4.99.
One shopper said: “It’s a revolution. I’ve been tearing my hair out trying to keep my garden gnome George dry for years and now there’s a solution.

“He stands out in the elements all year round so I think it’s only fair he should have some protection.”

Chris Dawson, owner of The Range, said: “It’s a real shame when gnomes’ bright coats get tarnished by the British weather, so I’m delighted we can provide an alternative for our customers.

“We are expecting them to fly off the shelves. We recently filmed a TV ad where garden gnomes visit The Range to transform a home, so I’m really pleased that The Range can help transform their lives.”

He added the store is drafting in extra staff today to marshall a predicted rush of customers.