A brand-new charity shop has officially opened its doors in Redditch. 

Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest welcomed its first customers on Tuesday (August 27) to its new shop in Winyates. 

The ribbon was cut by the chair of the Redditch Forum for Older People, Liz Williams, with the event also being supported by the leader of Redditch Borough Council, Joe Baker, and Tesco Redditch Community Champions. 

Age UK BRWF CEO Amanda Allen said: "Today is an opportunity to celebrate, to thank all those that have worked so hard to make our new Winyates shop a reality and to say 'thank you' for the welcome and support that we have received.

"Our focus as a charity is to make North Worcestershire a better place for people to grow older by delivering much-needed local services and support. 

"Every item donated to our shops, every purchase made and every hour volunteered is helping to make a difference to local older people." 

The ribbon being cut by Liz Williams The ribbon being cut by Liz Williams (Image: Age UK BRWF)

The charity shop offers a variety of quality and affordable preloved items with Ms Allen describing them as 'hubs' of the community. 

The money raised at the shops will help fund local services like the free information and advice and befriending services. 

Ms Allen added: "Those of you that have visited any of our other shops will know that, in addition to offering a range of quality and affordable preloved items, our shops are also important ‘hubs’ of the communities in which they are based.

"They are places where people can come and will always find a friendly face and someone to chat to and where they can access information.

"They are also places where people can give back, knowing that their efforts will help to fund local services like our free Information and Advice and Befriending services.

"For those that haven’t been able to visit yet, I invite you to come along and meet Victoria, Tom and the team to explore the shop and see what amazing ‘finds’ you can discover. 

"Remember when donating or making a purchase, you could be helping to provide companionship to a local person who feels alone or helping someone to access trusted support at a time when they need it most."

Winyates is Age UK BRWF's third charity shop in Redditch and its seventh shop within North Worcestershire.

Age UK's Matchborough store also officially reopened on Friday, July 26 after being closed for eight months for building work. 

For more information visit www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/shops/