CHERRIES legend Steve Fletcher cut the ribbon at the formal opening of a new joint charity shop in Southbourne.

Help and Care and Oakhaven Hospice have joined forces to open what will be the first of several charity shops planned by the partners.

The chief executive of Help and Care Mark Sharman said: “2015 is the 30th anniversary of Help and Care being founded as a local charity.

“We are delighted to start the year with our first charity shop in partnership with Oakhaven.

“Help and Care has its roots in the Southbourne community, and while we now work over a wide area, it is fitting that the shop is opening in the community we grew out of.”

Andrew Ryde, chief executive of Oakhaven Hospice, said the charity was delighted with the partnership.

“Income generation for charities is never easy and we are convinced this new partnership will yield results,” he said.

“We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship and would like to extend our thanks to Steve Fletcher and AFCB for coming to help us like this.”

Help and Care is a local charity working with older people, carers and communities and aims to provide information and advice that will support individuals, and help enable them to make decisions.

“Oakhaven Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support to those facing life-limiting illness, and their loved ones, in both a home and hospice setting in the New Forest and Waterside area.”