The founders of a charity shop were able to sit back and admire all their hard work when they opened to the public on Saturday.

The Comet: Dee Hoyte with a snakeDee Hoyte with a snake (Image: Archant)

Stevenage’s deputy mayor John Lloyd kicked off a fun-packed day when he officially opened Kadoma Kidz Charity Shop and Community Space in the town’s Willows Link.

The day featured food, face painting, a bouncy castle and exotic reptiles, courtesy of Animalistic Encounters.

Stacey Gibb set up Kadoma Kidz with her husband Phil to help disadvantaged children in the Zimbabwean city – which is twinned with Stevenage.

She said: “It was incredibly difficult to make it happen, but well worth while. It was fantastic to see it up and running.”

About Saturday’s launch, she added: “It was fantastic. We raised more than £300 which is much more than we expected and a lot of people attended. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone, especially Pod53 for helping with the food.”

The store includes a charity shop, a sweet shop, a second-hand bridal shop and a community space which will be used for birthday parties and other activities.

All the money raised by the shop will donated to support children living in the city.

For more information search ‘Kadoma Kidz’ on Facebook or call 07872 939841.