A CHARITY shop in Leyburn held an official opening and said goodbye to two longserving volunteers.

Three-year-old Hector OrdePowlett – with the help of his grandmother, Lady “Pip”

Bolton, officially opened the St Teresa’s Hospice shop in Leyburn which last year was extended to include the nextdoor shop. The ceremony was the first official duty of the future Lord Bolton.

In 1997, the first hospice shop opened in Commercial Square, Leyburn, run by a small band of dedicated volunteers. Later, larger premises in Market Square became available. The most recent development in 2012 was made possible when the next-door shop was obtained, which now sells larger items such as furniture.

To date, the Leyburn hospice charity shops have raised well over £500,000.

The occasion also marked the retirement of two volunteers who have worked at the shops since the beginning. Amy Hartley and June Cooper have each helped at the Leyburn shops since they opened 14 years ago.

Guests enjoyed a drink and celebratory cake, with the two women both given a present and card from shop manager Lorna Clarkson.

Marjorie McIntire, retail manager for St Teresa’s chain of nine hospice shops, said: “The shop opened at Ivy House is proving to be very popular on all fronts.”