A DORCHESTER charity shop that supports local adults with severe learning disabilities is looking to build on its success after receiving a generous grant.

The Cheshire Box in the Hardye Arcade raises money for Dorset Learning Disability Services, which is part of Leonard Cheshire Disability.

All proceeds from the store go to nine small homes in Dorchester and Weymouth that provide care and accommodation for people with severe learning disabilities.

The money enables these people to access equipment and enjoy holidays that they would otherwise not be able to afford.

The shop recently got a boost from the Co-operative Community Fund, which provided a generous grant to enable it to purchase a new cash register that gives receipts to customers.

The funding also allowed the charity to train two members of staff to use equipment to test electrical items that are donated to the shop to ensure that they are safe to sell and increase the money it can raise.

Now it is looking to capitalise on its new facilities and increase the vital funds it raises and is hoping local people will show their support either through volunteering or donating items.

Shop manager Anne Slattery said: “We have many faithful customers and donors and a very small band of dedicated volunteers. We are always looking for new customers and volunteers along with donations of good quality and current items to sell.”

She added: “We would like to thank the Co-operative Community Fund for their grant, and all our customers, volunteers and donors, old and new, who enable us to raise money for a local, worthy cause.”

While donations are welcomed, the shop cannot accept items for recycling and has to pay for any items that have to be taken away because they are unsellable, if they are either broken, incomplete, soiled or outdated technology.

The shop in the Hardye Arcade has two unloading bays that can be access from Charles Street to help donors bring in their items for sale.

It is open from 9.30am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday.

Anne said: “We look forward to welcoming you into our happy, friendly shop.”