SUPPORTERS are celebrating an important milestone for a Weymouth charity shop for mums and babies.

It’s been a year since the Weymouth Life Shop moved premises to a prominent and larger site on the Esplanade.

It has been a positive move for the organisation which has seen thousands of people come through the doors and its profile raised in the community.

The shop, which was previously in Great George Street around the corner, is one of 15 in the country supporting the pro-life organisation Life which was set up for ‘anyone facing a crisis pregnancy, pregnancy loss or after an abortion and strives to engage, inspire and inform the next generation’.

It sells prams, clothes, school uniforms, baths and books, as well as women’s items.

The Weymouth branch of Life was established in 1981 and the shop opened in 1992.

Priscilla McGowen from the charity said: “It is over a year since the shop moved to 72 The Esplanade, officially opened by Richard Drax MP with joint blessings by both Father Stephen Geddes and the Rev Pip Salmon of local churches.

She added: “We have volunteers who have now moved on to different jobs, newer pastures, with a good record on their CV.

“We would welcome more people for 3.5 hour shifts, morning or afternoons. Application forms are available, and induction, training and mentoring are provided after an interview with Naomi, our manager.

“We also need more donations for children, women, men, household, ornaments, games, puzzles – it is a method of recycling instead of sending it to the tip!”

• SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax has given the charity the facilities of Charborough Park and the Bluebell Walk on his estate near Bere Regis for a fundraising event on Sunday May 11 from 2.30pm until 6pm.

There will be teas, coffees, squash, cakes, homemade marmalade and other goodies. There will also be craft cards, baby knits, tea cosies, plants, bric-a-brac, and a grand tombola.

Entrance is £4 for adults and £2 for children while children under six are free.

No dogs allowed except guide dogs.