The East Lancashire Hospice has finally reopened its shops and warehouse following a closure period over lockdown, which saw the charity lose thousands in essential funding.

And now, retail managers at the Hospice are wanting to encourage shoppers to visit the stores, take a look around, and support their local charity.

The Bridge Street shop in Darwen re-opened last last week, and new safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safe taking and storing of donations.

A re-arrangement of stock and fittings has also been carried out and volunteer hours altered to cover the opening times.

Lockdown resulted in the East Lancashire Hospice charity losing thousands of pounds, and with shop and warehouse sales being one of the main sources of income generation, they were left unable to access essential funds to care for patients who need the hospice services.

Retail sales lead Dawn Neary said: “The safety of our staff, volunteers and customers has always been at the forefront of everything we do so taking this into consideration we have worked behind the scenes to ensure we have the donations and stock for the season we are now in to be able to offer our customers good quality clothing and items at a fraction of the price.

"Every purchase you make at any of our shops including Bridge Street Darwen and our furniture warehouse on Brunswick Street Blackburn, helps us to raise the money we need and there has never been a more important time than now.”

The hospice has adapted its services to ensure patients and families are still cared for and supported throughout.

More information about the hospice shops can be found at eastlancshospice.org.uk