The Mayor of Northallerton has officially opened a new shop in the town to help raise money for Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Cllr Phil Eames cut the ribbon for the shop on the town's High Street on Monday.

It will raise money to support Martin House, which cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions from across East, West and North Yorkshire.

The group supports many families and children such as Jim and Jayne Geall, whose daughters Lily-Rose and Tia both have complex health needs, and who have been receiving respite care at Martin House since 2017.

Jim said: “Coming to Martin House, we have the luxury of being able to hand the care of our daughters to the staff, knowing they have carefully gone through with us what the girls’ needs are.

“The doctors at Martin House have linked up to the specialists we have been working with in hospital, and it’s that holistic care, the fact there are people here who understand our needs and requirements. We come here knowing we have that raft of support, but all in one place.”

As well as respite care, Martin House provides emergency and symptom control stays, end of life care and bereavement support. The group also offers care in people’s own homes as part of its community support.

Stephanie Rimmington, head of retail at Martin House, said: “We’re delighted to be open in Northallerton, and are looking forward to welcoming customers to our shop.

“We are also looking for volunteers to join us, to help us raise as much money as possible which will go to help provide the specialist care that Martin House provides to families like Jim and Jayne’s.”

For more information about the Northallerton shop, including opening hours and how to donate or volunteer, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk