CHRISTCHURCH has welcomed yet another new shop to the town centre, as Going For Bust moves onto High Street.

Although the breast cancer charity shop has been open since Wednesday, October 14, the store was officially opened by The Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Lesley Dedman on Tuesday, October 20.

Since opening its doors to customers, staff at the charity shop have said the reaction has been positive.

Shop manager Helen Knox said: “It has been brilliant so far, the response from residents has been fantastic.

“A lot of customers have said that the interior is very boutique like but with charity shop clothing and items

“We have had a lot of people come in and drop off donations and now have a fantastic stock of items.”

Since its inception in 2013, with the opening of the first shop in West Moors, Going For Bust has 13 shops across Dorset, as well as a support centre in Wimborne.

Staff at the shop say they have already received a lot of donations from residents and now have a healthy stock of clothes and objects for people to purchase.

Helen said: “We do allow people to try on clothes when they are in the store, it is something that is relatively unique at the moment.

“Any items that are tried on and not purchased are put out the back in our storeroom for 48 hours.

“The same goes for any donations we receive; we have to quarantine them for 48 hours before we can put them out on the shop floor.”

The shop is allowing donations by appointment and customers can only donate up to three bags or boxes of items.

Going For Bust also offers a free collection service for large donations, where a member of staff will come and pick up the bags or boxes free of charge.

Charity support co-ordinator Michelle Ormston said: “We have had a couple of people come in enquiring about volunteering here. We are looking to take on some more staff so if you are able to share a couple of hours a week, please get in touch.

“Like most charity shops, it is the volunteers that makes it. We all get along and support each other and like to have a giggle as we work.”

To enquire about making a donation or to volunteer at the shop, call 01202478858.