THE new Shakespeare Hospice furniture store was officially opened by Dame Emma Jane Brown.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony was well attended; a constant stream of visitors from Moreton in Marsh and further afield turned up to browse the large selection of furniture, bric-a-brac and household electricals in the new showroom, sited at Fosseway Business Park in Moreton.

Tracy Holdback, retail manager, said: “We were delighted by the enthusiastic response to our new store. We received some wonderful comments about the quality of the stock and we sold a lot of items.

"Many customers were buying things to upcycle – there’s a real trend for creating vintage style as well as painting and distressing furniture for the shabby chic look.

"If anyone came down and didn’t find what they were looking for, we urge them to come back soon - our stock will change regularly to keep the shop-floor looking fresh and inspiring.”

Much of the furniture on display was donated by local people, and the Hospice will continue to accept donations of furniture.

Multiple items and larger pieces of furniture will be collected, free of charge, from within a radius of 10 miles.

Anyone with something to donate is asked to either drop into the shop, or for larger items, call 01608 654415 or email: Moreton@theshakespearehospice.org.uk.

The hospice is also looking for volunteers to help at the store, especially those with a flair for upcycling or have carpentry skills.

They are also looking for people to help serve customers, dress the shop, price items and help with deliveries and collections.

There will be an opportunity to learn new skills or get some valuable work experience.

Anyone interested, email: CLomas@theshakespearehospice.org.uk or call her on: 01789 266852.