A new Barnardo’s charity store has opened in Stevenage town centre, with a positive response from people in the area.

Mayor of Stevenage Councillor Pam Stuart officially opened the Queensway store – and the charity says business has been booming ever since.

Brian Gibson from Barnardo’s said: “We were delighted that the mayor of Stevenage came along to open our brand new store and cut the ribbon.

“Customers have been really positive about the store and have told us that they really enjoy the huge range of quality products that we have on offer.

”It has also created numerous volunteering opportunities, enabling people to both strengthen their current skills, learn new ones and of course learn about how retail works.”

The store specialises in children’s clothes, toys and furniture. There is also a wide range of other goods including ladies’ and men’s clothing and brand new items such as sweets and cards.

The store is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Barnardo’s is the UK’s largest children’s charity and aims to help transform lives for vulnerable children.

For more about volunteering at the shop, see barnardos.org.uk/shop.