A HOSPICE service has opened its first charity shop in an attempt to generate an extra £100,000 of income a year to help care for terminally-ill patients who want to remain at home.

Herriot Hospice Homecare launched the store on Northallerton High Street this week and if the venture is successful hopes to open more stores across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Alongside the usual charity store goods, the shop will sell small electrical goods that have been tested by an approved electrician and feature a designer clothes rack.

Herriot Hospice Homecare, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, has raised £162,000 so far this year to cover the increasing cost of providing its services.

A spokeswoman for the Northallerton-based charity said: “The store has been in the planning for about six months, but it is something we have always wanted.

“As well as raising much-needed funds the high street location will give a higher profile and greater visibility to the charity, as a lot of people don’t know we exist until they need our services.”