A NORTH Somerset animal charity is hoping for a boost in funds with the opening of its first charity shop.

Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary has opened the store in Clevedon town centre selling goods including clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac.

The charity, which runs its sanctuary in Barrow Gurney, rehomes hundreds of unwanted and abandoned animals every year and is in need of donations more than ever before.

The recent recession has meant financial donations as well as gifts of animal food have declined rapidly and the number of animals being abandoned has also risen.

The new shop in The Triangle, Clevedon, was officially opened on December 10 by Linda Reeves who has donated her time to sort all the legal paperwork associated with opening a new shop.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the store can email the shop manager Rebecca at beckola364@hotmail.co.uk

To find out more about Holly Hedge visit www.hollyhedge.org.uk