A new charity shop has opened its doors in Braintree.

The British Heart Foundation has opened a new furniture store on High Street, which specialises in vintage, pre-owned and new homeware items.

New jobs have been created with an area manager, a retail manager and three part time warehouse staff, as well as part time volunteers.

An opening on today was marked with a countdown, led by chairman of Braintree Council Stephen Kirby.

Mr Kirby said he was delighted to attend the opening.

He said: "It is a pleasure to open a great new store which will be staffed by volunteers for the people of Braintree.

"It is a very big store and it has been a complete success.

"I wish the British Heart Foundation the best of luck in the future."

Manager Ruth Sheed said: "Our store looks fantastic and it is. "Braintree's store is a great place for a bargain and it is all to help the British Heart Foundation fight heart disease."

The shop opened in the former Townrow store which closed in April this year.

The Townrow family had owned the Braintree store since 1871.

The British Heart Foundation announced it would open a new store in July, with work underway through August in time for the October opening.

The new charity shop is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm.