Asda prides itself on its low prices - for fashions as well as food. But what about the quality? We ask a York family of four to road test the new autumn styles from its George fashion label.

ONE hundred pounds goes an awful long way at George at Asda. We discovered that for ourselves when the Brown family of four was given that amount each to spend on the new autumn collections at the Monk Cross store.

It was a trolley dash with a difference when the Browns - mum Elaine, 33, dad Clive, 34, Adam, five, and Connor, two - were given free rein to pick anything they wanted from the George range.

Three hours later, they headed home to Heworth, laden with bags filled with new, trendy outfits for every member of the family.

Elaine was astounded by how much £100 could buy - particularly for the children.

This sum bought two pairs of trousers, two tops, two fleeces, two pairs of pyjamas, boots and a winter coat for Connor. Adam did equally well with two pairs of trousers, two tops, a fleece, a jacket, trainers and a pair of Action Man slippers.

Elaine splashed out on green casual trousers, a light lime-coloured jumper, two black tops, a denim jacket and some comfy black shoes. Clive opted for two pairs of casual trousers, a couple of co-ordinating sweaters, socks and T-shirts.

Elaine admitted she was knocked out by the prices: "I can't believe how far our cash stretched - £100 is a lot of money, but we were able to buy a lot more than I expected."

Tanya Potter, of Asda, says prices are keener than ever this year because of the 'Roll Back' cost-cutting campaign to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the George label.

"Many prices have been rolled back, so that they are even cheaper than last year's," she says.

We found plenty of examples. Clive's trousers were £17.36, down from £19.99; Connor's winter coat was £14.87 from £16.99 and his red fleecy dinosaur top was £8.97 down from £9.99.

And prices are coming down further. For this week - until Sunday - all George merchandise, including accessories and the baby shop, will be reduced by a further 15 per cent.

We all love a bargain, but the real value-for-money test lies in what the clothes are actually like to wear, how they wash and how long they last.

To gauge this, we caught up with the Browns the following week to find out how their fashions from George fared after they'd been lived in for a while.

Here is Elaine's verdict:

"Adam said his clothes were all very comfy. His blue fleecy top in particular was really soft. Connor's shoes were particularly good. He has wide feet and normally we have to go to Clarks and spend quite a lot of money. I didn't think we'd be able to get any shoes for him in Asda, but the ones he's got are really comfortable, and very soft inside. He's worn them all weekend, and really road-tested them well.

Generally, the clothes are comfortable and fit well. They were cheap, but they don't look or feel cheap. My shoes have developed a little squeak, but they fit very well. Usually when I buy a new pair I end up with a blister, but not with these.

The styles are really nice, with plenty for men and children. The detail on the children's range is excellent. Connor just loved the little dinosaurs on his top. And one of the great things about the clothes is that they are all machine washable: even the fleece tops. They washed up really well and looked as good as new."

WE have teamed up with Asda to give one lucky reader the chance to see just how much £100 can buy at George.

The winner will be invited into the Monks Cross store to choose goods from the George collection to the value of £100.

To enter, answer this question: How many years has George been at Asda?

Send your answer on a postcard, marked George Competition, with your name, address and daytime telephone number, to Maxine Gordon, Features, Evening Press, PO Box 35, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Deadline, Friday, October 6, 2000. Usual Evening Press rules apply.

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