A new charity shop supporting pets has opened its doors in Weymouth - and is on the look out for volunteers.

National pet charity, Blue Cross, has opened a new store at 98 St Mary Street in the town centre. It is looking for more volunteers and donations as it gets up and running. 

The charity is selling second-hand and preloved items to raise funds for the sick, injured and abandoned cats, dogs, small animals and horses in its care at its rehoming centres across the country - with the nearest in Southampton, Hampshire.

The shop sells women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, accessories, homeware, toys, books, bric-a-brac and much more.

The new Blue Cross store sells a range or second items The new Blue Cross store sells a range or second items (Image: Blue Cross)

David Palmer, head of retail operations at Blue Cross, said: “We’re looking forwarding to welcoming everyone to our new shop in Weymouth.

"All proceeds will go towards helping our charity to help more animals in need.

“We would be delighted to receive donations of good quality items to sell, which can be dropped off at the shop during opening hours.

“We’re also looking for volunteers to help the team out so if you have some spare time and want to help Blue Cross then get in touch.”

With the increasing demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services, the charity needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can.

Whether that’s by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare. 

The charity has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897 and helps thousands of pets and their owners with veterinary care, expert behaviour advice, whilst also finding homeless pets loving families. 

A spokesperson for the charity added: "We also offer education for future generations plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion.

"We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive.

"With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help. Pets change lives. We change theirs."

For more information, visit www.bluecross.org.uk or call 0300 790 9906.