MARGARET Green Animal Rescue is celebrating the opening of its first charity shop.

The Winton-based store officially opened on Tuesday with trustee Matt Devereux cutting the ribbon with help from rescue dogs Noodle, Kerry, Maddie and Louis.

The charity has been rescuing and rehoming pets across Dorset and Devon for over 50 years.

The shop in Wimborne Road will help raise funds through selling a range of quality pre-loved clothing, furniture and other goods. It is currently the only pet charity shop in the area following the closure of the PDSA's Winton branch.

Lindsey Carter, head of retail, said she was looking forward to welcoming the shop's first customers.

"We have already received a warm welcome from the local community and we can’t wait to show everyone what we have been up to.

"We have pictures of the pets here so people who fancy adoption could easily check them out with us."

She added she was keen to hear from anybody who would like to volunteer at the shop, or make a donation.

“Women’s clothes are the most popular, but we welcome any other types of donations. They can be brought to the shop during opening hours or dropped off at one of our rescue centres either in Church Knowle or Bere Regis.

"Please pop in when you are next passing or give us a call to find out more."

Lucy Compton, fundraising and marketing manager for the charity, added: "We are really excited for the future after the opening of our first charity shop. The shop marks a significant point in our 51 year history as we now have a presence on the high street, raising much needed funds for even more rescued animals."

It costs £1million per year to run the charity, according to Matt who explained that while legacies provide a "substantial" source of funds for the charity, it "cannot rely on legacies alone".

He said: "The income of the shop will reduce our dependence on legacies and help many more rescue animals.”

“Winton is a lovely area with many visitors. As a Dorset charity, we are not very well-known across the county. Hopefully the charity shop will help us to become the best local pets charity.”