A CHARITY which provides hospice care to people in their own homes has opened its fourth charity shop in a North Yorkshire market town.

The opening of the Herriot Hospice Homecare shop, in Bedale Market Place, was performed by the town’s Mayor Councillor Christine Mollard. Among the items on sale in the shop on its first day were a Burberry coat, Austin Reed suits and a range of Russell & Bromley shoes.

Kathryn Harrison, Herriot Hospice Homecare’s head of income development said: “Our charity shops account for 50 per cent of all our fundraising income, so to be able to open our fourth shop in a popular town like Bedale is very significant.

“We only ever sell high quality items and there will be a range of designer clothes and shoes, many new or nearly new, on display on a regular basis.

“Every single penny that people spend in the shop will go back into the work we do helping people with life limiting illnesses in Hambleton and Richmondshire."

The front of the shop was painted free of charge by Wizard Builders, who chose Herriot Hospice Homecare as their charity of the year.

Councillor Mollard said: “I know from personal experience the impact end of life care can have, so it’s fantastic that every time people buy something in the shop, the money will do so much good.”

People who would like to donate items can take them into any of the stores, or if they have bulky items they can contact the head office on 01609-777413 and arrange for them to be picked up free of charge in the local area.