A Dorchester charity shop is flying in the face of the economic climate after celebrating a recording-breaking year.

Staff and volunteers at the British Heart Foundation store in South Street chalked up an amazing £100,000 profit in the last financial year.

The achievement means it is one of just a handful of BHF shops outside London to reach a six figure profit since the charity’s first store opened in 1986.

Manager Ann-Marie Kellaway said the success of the store was all down to her team of staff and volunteers.

She currently has three part-time staff and 46 volunteers, including Bill Dean who is nearly 93.

Ann-Marie said: “I couldn’t do it without them, I’ve got a great team.”

She also paid tribute to the loyal customers at the store and those who generously donated items to help keep the shelves filled.

The success of the Dorchester store reflects a generally successful year for BHF’s retail arm, with a nationwide profit of £31million representing a £5million increase on the previous year and securing its most successful year to date.

The charity says that, while many stores and businesses are struggling in the current economic climate, the recession has actually boosted its trading and that, coupled with an ambitious expansion plan has seen it become the nation’s largest charity retailer.

Area manager Debbie Cheeseman said: “Our Shops are proving a popular choice for shoppers keen to buy good quality items at low prices.

“The recession has seen our sales grow – giving us the confidence to further extend our nationwide network of BHF Shops and furniture and electrical stores.

“I’d like to encourage Dorchester people to donate to their local BHF Shop – donations are vital to the success of our Shops. We’re keen to receive all saleable donations to help us continue our life-saving work.

“We love the things you bring.”

Debbie said the Dorchester store was hoping to at least match its record breaking efforts over the next 12 months.

She said: “In this climate if we can maintain that, we would be over the moon.

“Most people would see that as the peak but we would like to maintain it or maybe get a little bit more.”

To find out more about how you can support and donate to your local BHF store visit www.bhf.org.uk/shops