A TOY exchange and donation scheme in Ringwood has returned to the town after its former building was earmarked for demolition.

TEDS in Ringwood has re-opened in a new smaller shop in Christchurch Road, one of two new businesses to open in the market town on the same day.

The social enterprise, founded by Ringwood mums Dana Elsworth and Liz Wells, offers customers a one-stop shop selling baby and children’s toys and equipment, to raise funds for local charities.

The new shop may be smaller than the previous buildings – they have gone from 4,600sq feet to 600sq feet – but the shelves are still jam-packed with stock.

Dana, who is now running the enterprise alone, said she is aiming for a ‘huge premises’, where the organisation will be able to offer a cafe area, educational space, a crèche, teen zone and lots of information and support for people.

But in the meantime, the new shop is still offering toys and games, along with a baby section selling bottles, sterilisers and safety items.

Once the team are more settled they will also be nominating two charities for donations as well.

Dana said: “This is a foothold for us to do what we can to support the community.

“This organisation is all about the Ringwood community and we hope to continue being a part of that for a long time.”

Deputy mayor of Ringwood Cllr Barbara Woodifield added: “It is very exciting that Dana has found a new shop here in the High Street.

“To have two new businesses in the same day open next door to each other is wonderful.”

The shop next door, UV3 Tanning, has been opened by Rebecca Phillips, her brother Craig Phillips and Helen Parr.

TEDS is open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm.

Visit www.tedstoys.co.uk.