MICHAEL Sobell Hospice will officially open its new charity shop at 183 Field End Road, Eastcote, on Saturday, May 2.

The Mayor of Hillingdon will be present to declare it officially open at 10am.

There will be free drinks and refreshments and a chance to pick up some quality bargains.

All customers at the launch will be given a free raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.

This will be the third shop for the charity, which also has premises in Ruislip and Northwood.

The retail side contributes significant vital income for the hospice, which needs to raise £1.5m per year to pay for the care of its patients at the Mount Vernon site.

The shop will rely heavily on donations of new or used unwanted items, such as clothes, books, toys and bric-a-brac, to help fill the shelves.

People can bring donated goods into the shop or the charity will collect. To arrange a collection, call 01923 844152.

The charity is also looking for volunteers to help run the shop. No previous experience is necessary and full training will be given.

The role will involve sorting donated goods, pricing items for sale, serving customers and helping with displays.

If you can spare a few hours a week, call Victoria on 01923 844606.

The shop will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm at 183 Field End Road, Eastcote.