A DORCHESTER shop that was badly damaged when a car went through its front window is back open for business.

The Salvation Army charity shop in the Forum Centre off Trinity Street is now calling for a show of support from the local community after missing out on donations in recent days.

The Echo reported how emergency services were called to the shop on November 4 after a car came crashing through the front window of the store.

Fortunately nobody was injured in the incident but it caused considerable damage and the shop was closed for nearly a month while repairs were carried out to ensure it could be opened safely.

The window remains boarded up but the shop is very much up and running again and those who run the store are keen to get the message out to people.

The charity is now also keen to received donations to make up for the time the store has been closed, which can also be delivered to its nearby store in Trinity Street.

Community development manageress for The Salvation Army Jamie Slater said: "Having been closed at this time of year has meant that we have not had the donations that we would normally receive.

"We really need good quality saleable items, and these can be donated to our newer shop across from the post office.

"Normally through November and December we collect new toys for children aged one to 13 years old that are depending on The Salvation Army for a gift this Christmas.

"But the closure has had an impact on this as well, and we are no where near our target for new toys and gifts for the children.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back and wish all of our customers and friends a very joyous Christmas."

Firefighters, paramedics and police attended the shop last month after a Vauxhall Corse, driven by a 75-year-old man, went through the shop window after driving through a bollard by the neighbouring car park.

Shop assistant Kirsteen Inglis was in the store at the time and told how she suddenly heard the smashing of glass and saw the contents of the front of the shop coming towards her "like an avalanche".

Fortunately both she and the driver of the vehicle emerged unscathed from the incident.

As ever, the charity is very grateful for any donations or offers of support and all money raised through the shop will go to support the charitable work of The Salvation Army.

For more information on how to support the charity call 01305 268755.