Happy birthday to Shipston Dogs Trust

DOGS Trust’s Shipston charity shop celebrated its tenth birthday on Friday and some VIPS (very important pooches) joined in the celebrations.

On the day, there were some of the original team who helped open the shop a decade ago including staff from Chris Slight, Tracey Spiers and Shauna Stedman.

Since its opening in 2006, staff at the charity shop estimate that more than 400,000 people have stepped through its doors and have sold around 180,000 items including clothing, bric-a-brac and books which has raised more than £600,000 to help the homeless hounds under the care of Dogs Trust.

Gemma Borkowy, Retail Area Manager for Dogs Trust, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating our tenth birthday, it’s a real milestone and we are so grateful to everyone who has made the last decade such a success.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support of the local community who not only give generously but make each and every day such a pleasure.”

Helping to run the charity shop are a small team of dedicated volunteers, but as the shop prepares for a busy new year, they are appealing for anyone who can offer their time.

Gemma continued: “We simply couldn’t run this shop without the dedication of our volunteers - but we are always looking for more! Whether you can spare an hour or a day, please pop in and let us know if you can help.”