A NEW shop which will raise cash for a youth charity has officially been opened.

The YMCA store in Newlands Shopping Centre was opened by Witham MP Priti Patel during a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The shop offers a mix of clothes, textiles, second-hand furniture, PAT tested electrical equipment and bric-a-brac.

Speaking after the launch, Ms Patel said: “It was a real pleasure for me to give the new YMCA store a good send off.

“It was also a useful opportunity to get out the message that it is safe to go shopping again and, at the same time, support such a worthy charity in its efforts.

“I hope local people will support the charity through donations or purchases from this excellent new store, which brings some additional variety to the shopping experience in the Newlands Centre.”

The YMCA says it is facing a £5 million deficit as a result of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The charity is urgently appealing for donations and is hopeful its new shop in Witham will bring in some much-needed funds.

Store manager Darren Southall said: “We are grateful to Priti for taking time out of her busy schedule to share this special moment with us.

"We hope that the new store will provide some extra interest for local people and we look forward to welcoming everyone for their first visit.”