A RIBBON cutting ceremony was held for the grand opening of a new charity shop in a town centre.

The Dorset Blind Association (DBA) - which works across Dorset to provide practical help and support services for people who are blind or partially sighted - opened its new store on St Mary Street in Weymouth.

Angus Campbell, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, said he felt 'priviliged' to be associated with the charity and to be invited to cut the ribbon to announce the official opening of the new Weymouth store on Monday, August 8.

Dorset Echo: The Dorset Blind Association opened its sixth store in Weymouth's town centre on Monday, August 8. Picture: Dorset Blind AssociationThe Dorset Blind Association opened its sixth store in Weymouth's town centre on Monday, August 8. Picture: Dorset Blind Association

The DBA helps people with the emotional challenge of serious sight loss, to adjust to living with the sight loss and to still lead full, healthy and socially active lives, living as independently in their local community as they choose.

The new Weymouth shop is the charity's sixth shop, joining others trading in Ferndown, Christchurch, Southbourne, Parkstone and Broadstone.

A spokesman for the DBA said: "The opening day was hugely successful, and we look forward to being an important part of such a vibrant community.

"The shops operate as much more than just traditional charity shops and directly assist in the provision of our services too, especially our equipment service, with each shop displaying a range of the specialist equipment, magnification aids and other aids to daily living which are so useful to visually impaired people.

"Profits from our shops directly fund our community support services and our Community Support Workers across the county.

"Every penny we raise stays local and is only ever spent helping visually impaired people in Dorset."

Dorset Echo: Lord Lieutenant for Dorset Angus Campbell with Jonathan Holyhead. Picture: Dorset Blind AssociationLord Lieutenant for Dorset Angus Campbell with Jonathan Holyhead. Picture: Dorset Blind Association

On the day, Mr Campbell said: "It was a tremendous privilege for me to be asked to officially open the new Dorset Blind Association Shop in Weymouth. I have known of the Association for a number of years now and had the pleasure of taking part in the Ceremony at Lulworth Castle five years ago when I presented them with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. I was also asked to open their second shop in Christchurch a number of years ago. Todays opening was of the Associations sixth shop which shows that the Dorset Blind Association have not been idle.

"When we think of those who suffer from blindness we often just think of those who are completely blind, however, the Dorset Blind Association aims to help all those within our County who suffer from any kind or degree of sight loss. They not only keep in contact across the county with those who need their help, but use their shops, not only to make money to pay for their work, but also as hubs for advice and equipment for those who are able to attend. This constant interaction with the public also spreads understanding of the many sight problems that a large minority among us have to deal with day to day.

"Today’s ceremony opens yet another shop in support of the Association, this to serve the Weymouth and Portland area. It is a very spacious building and already appears to be a popular premises. I applaud Jonathan Holyhead and all who work within the Association, both paid staff and volunteers, for all splendid support they give to those with sight loss within our County. I feel privileged to be associated with this dedicated and hard-working organisation and I much enjoyed the event."

The shop is located at 8 St Mary's Street, Weymouth, DT4 8PB and is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5p and on Sundays from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Donations of unwanted quality items are gratefully received.