Immediately after Manager Liz Heslop cut the ribbon to open the shop in the town's Ridgedale Centre, more than 30 customers had moved in and by the end of the first day the proceeds exceeded all expectations.

The Marple shop is ExtraCare's 61st charity shop, and will raise money to support activities, health and wellbeing and community projects for residents in ExtraCare's retirement villages and schemes, enabling them to enjoy active and independent lifestyles in their later years.

Liz explained that donations before the opening had been fantastic and the large shop was packed with all manner of goods from clothing to books and DVDs, shoes and handbags and toys of all kinds, and more donations are now needed.

Regional Manager Jill Blanshard, who was at the opening, was equally impressed. She said: "The high quality of the donations was brilliant and they represent the life blood of ExtraCare in its mission to deliver better lives for older people."

The shop, which is open six days a week, is run by Liz, her deputy Kathy Heacock and a dozen excellent volunteers who assist on different days.

Picture: Manager Liz Heslop, Deputy Manager Kathy Heacock, volunteers Katie Halliday and Rob Hanlon, and Regional Manager Jill Blanshard, behind the counter.

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For more information phone Liz Heslop on 0161 312 6877