A CHARITY supporting people with learning difficulties is soon to have a presence in Dorchester town centre.

Mid Dorset Mencap is marking Learning Disability Week this week and has announced it is set to open a shop in High East Street in the autumn.

The group is also currently setting up an eBay charity shop, where people can donate items for sale to raise funds.

When the Dorchester shop is launched it will be open two days a week – Tuesdays and Wednesdays – to begin with and will offer opportunities for people with learning disabilities to gain valuable experience through volunteering.

As well as items for sale, the shop will also provide information relating to the various organisations that support people with learning difficulties.

Vice chair of Mid Dorset Mencap Mervyn Harris said: “This is a big step forward for the Mid Dorset Mencap group to provide opportunities for local people with learning difficulties and give Mid Dorset Mencap a ‘shop window’ to highlight the support that our group give to people with learning difficulties.”

The shop will officially launch in the autumn, but for further details or to make donations please email mervynharris981@btinternet.com