A NEW charity venture in Boscombe is giving shoppers the chance to combine fashion with compassion.

The Springbourne Family Centre Charity Boutique, thought to be the first of its kind in the area, has opened its doors in Christchurch Road.

And the boutique will offer only the best to its discerning clientele.

Donna Blanche, chief executive of the family centre, said: “We think this is the first shop of this nature in Bournemouth.

“I don’t believe any other charity has a shop like this one.

“We only sell high-quality items – it’s a more glamorous take on the traditional charity shop.”

The shop sells both new and second hand items, with any rejected donations going to other charity shops in the area.

“Large organisations have donated brand new things to us, and we’ve been able to source items as well,” said Donna.

“It’s been done with retail principles in mind, although of course all profits will go straight back into the charity.

“We’re lucky because we’re in a great location, and we’ve had a lot of support from our landlords, Arnewood Estates.”

The Springbourne Family Centre, based in Walpole Road, Boscombe, offers help to mums and dads with children under the age of five.

The charity provides parenting groups, workshops, courses, child contact services and even a pre-school.

Donna said: “We want to earn an income to support the charity, but we also want to keep helping people through the shop as well.”