A CHARITY shop selling preloved and new furniture, clothing and more has opened in Andover High Street.

The RSPCA North Wiltshire and Newbury District Branch shop has opened in a unit previously occupied by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) before it closed its doors in September 2023.

The store, which offers a range of products including menswear, womenswear, furniture, bric-a-brac, toys and more, opened on Friday, September 6 to the delight of shoppers.

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(Image: North Wiltshire and Newbury RSPCA)

The 'really successful' opening saw the shop sell a large quantity of its stock according to area manager Laura Williams.

"We opened Friday and Saturday and it was a huge success, more than I think we were planning. We've sold a lot of stuff, especially furniture," said Laura.

The opening marks the branch's 11th store in the district, with all of the profits raised from the sale of items going towards the charity's wildlife rescue centre, Oak and Furrows.

The centre, which admits around 4,000 animals a year, helps rescue, rehabilitate and in the best-case scenario; release wildlife including hedgehogs, field mice, birds, and stags.

Laura explained that the wildlife centre and RSPCA branch are independent meaning they don’t receive funding from the main branch of the national charity.

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She added: "It's nice for our customers to see that their money is going to a local charity. The majority of our funds come from the shop's income and retail is a massive part of that.

Laura says the shop relies on support from members of the public as apart from its manager and assistant manager, the store is run entirely by volunteers.

"It's really hard work and getting the shop together ready to open, that was just us. We were painting and wallpapering for hours but it's all worth it once you see it all come together," she said.

The shop is accepting donations of a variety of items, however, Laura says any furniture donations would be 'absolutely appreciated'.

The RSPCA North Wiltshire and Newbury District Branch shop can be found in Andover High Street and is open from 9.15am to 4.45pm, Monday to Saturday.