A NEW chapter is opening in the history of the former library in Fortuneswell on Portland.

Age UK has opened a ‘new to you’ shop and service centre in the building.

Sustainable living author and broadcaster Tracey West performed the honours at the new centre at 23 Fortuneswell on Saturday.

Money raised from the new venture will go towards the provision of new services for local older residents. Tracey said: “I am so proud to be associated with Age UK in Dorset and absolutely delighted to help celebrate the opening of another shop for Age UK here in Portland.

“Their other shop in Dorchester has become a well loved venue for bargain hunters and I am sure the locals will welcome the new one with open arms and happy purses.

“It’s not just the recycled clothing element that excites me about the new shop, their ‘port’ and ‘starboard’ rooms will offer the community so much more with silver surfing training, wellbeing services and much more. It’s a fantastic initiative for Fortuneswell and the surrounding area.”

The venue will also house an information area to spread the word about the services that Age UK offers. A community noticeboard will provide information about events happening in the community. The two ‘port’ and ‘starboard’ activity rooms form the shop’s service port.

People can benefit from a toenail cutting service, Age UK’s insurance and trading services, computer lessons, welfare benefits advice and the ‘Crafty Crew’ craft sessions.

The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Trust has given financial support for the new venture.

Di Lawrence, the chief officer of Age UK Dorchester, said: “We are very excited to be working with the community of Portland and to be part of the regeneration of the Fortuneswell area. “Portland is a lovely part of the county that I personally have past links with.

“We have been keen to work with Portland’s older residents for some considerable time now.”

Age UK said that donations for the shop are always welcome and can be received from 9am to 4.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but no electrical items or furniture. For more details call Hilary Foggo on 07891 351766 or Nicky on 07971 338700.