A NEW charity shop has opened to raise funds for the Number 8 arts centre project in Pershore.

The old shop on the site of the planned theatre is now closed as contractors move onto site to convert it into a foyer, caf bar and box office. Since it opened less than six years ago it has raised £590,000 for the Number 8 campaign.

Volunteers have now opened the Just After 8 charity shop at the old premises of Wireless Supplies, two doors away at Number 12. The store was opened by Pershore's new mayor Chris Parsons on Saturday.

Goods on offer are all donated by local people and include clothes, furniture, books and bric-a-brac.

More volunteers are needed to help run the store. Anyone with time to spare should call Sheila Booth on 01386 561372.