A NEW charity shop has opened in Highcliffe.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care has opened its doors to a new retail House Clearance Shop in Highcliffe.

The shop opening was a celebratory affair, attended by lots of residents in the town, members of the Lewis-Manning staff team and formally opened by the newly declared High Sheriff of Dorset, Anthony Woodhouse.

The shop at 288 Lymington Road officially opened on Thursday, April 25.

An attendee at the opening said: “There was a real buzz as shoppers took the opportunity to look around the brand-new shop which was packed with fantastic and sustainable bargains to buy.”

The new Lewis Manning shop marks the hospice’s ninth store to have opened due to an ‘ever growing demand for its house clearance services, sustainable goods, as well as the increased need to raise funds for its vital charity services’.

Director of retail Susan Newcombe said: “It’s been a fantastic morning. “We are really pleased to have secured such a prominent location in this busy part of Highcliffe, with its reputation for being a second-hand searcher's dream location.

“It’s a great opportunity to let shoppers know about our house clearance and recycling services and how we turn preloved items into extraordinary hospice care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones across Poole, Purbeck, East Dorset and west Hampshire.”

Susan added: “We’d like to thank the many businesses who have supported us in preparing for our opening, with special mention to Goadsby’s, Frettens Solicitors, Bradlea Builders, MBE Martin Barker Electrical Ltd, and Shadow Design (Print & Signage).”

High Sheriff Anthony Woodhouse said: “I’m delighted to be here in my capacity as High Sheriff of Dorset to open the 9th Lewis Manning Hospice Care shop.

“The shop will be so much more than a place to find a bargain; it will act as a community hub for the people of Highcliffe, a place where people can find out more about the hospice services, volunteering, fundraising and a centre for recycling.

“The shop will be so important in raising much needed funds for this vital local charity.”