A FAMILIAR face from the TV was on hand to officially open a new shop in Pill.

North Somerset Times: Alex Lovell opening the shop.Alex Lovell opening the shop. (Image: Archant)

BBC Points West presenter, Alex Lovell, opened the St Peter’s Hospice shop in Baltic Place, which the charity hopes will make a significant contribution to the £6.8million annual cost to run the Bristol hospice and its services.

North Somerset Times: Alex Lovell with Janet Loud Head of Retail, Roger Childs Commercial Director and Simon Caraffi Chief Exec of St Peter's Hospice.Alex Lovell with Janet Loud Head of Retail, Roger Childs Commercial Director and Simon Caraffi Chief Exec of St Peter's Hospice. (Image: Archant)

The shop is the 47th to be opened by the charity which this year celebrates its 35th anniversary.

The new shop will be staffed by a team of volunteers, including 31-year-old Pill resident Zara Sheppard.

She said: “St Peter’s Hospice has a special meaning to me as the charity cared for my mum in her final days.

“Mum passed away from breast cancer two years ago and the care she received from the nurses and staff at the hospice was brilliant.

“I was reluctant at first to enter the hospice as I thought it would be depressing but it was actually lovely and it was great the whole family was able to visit and stay with mum.”