A newly opened charity store in the heart of Dorchester is already making its mark.

In late November Dorset Mind opened it's first Dorchester charity shop and since then things have only gone from strength to strength.

The store, located at 29 South Street, was officially opened by members of staff, supports and the much-loved town crier, Alistair Chisholm.

Donations and sales made at Dorchester’s new store will help support the one in four people who experience a mental health problem every year. Last year research by Dorset Mind found one in ten people are unable to cope at Christmas.

Mind charity shops have been on the high street for more 50 years, embedded in the heart of local communities in England and Wales.

Regional manager of the store, Janet Loud, said: "I am absolutely delighted about how the shop is going. It is being well supported by the people of Dorchester. We have had really positive feedback from our customers.

"We just feel great and so privileged to open a store in Dorchester, the next nearest stores are in Winton or Exeter. It's good to have a presence in the county town.

"We had so many supporters here at the opening, including the town crier.

"We have a fantastic team building at the shop now, including Claire Dittrich, our shop manager.

"If anyone is looking for a volunteering job and are willing to support Dorset Mind we would love to hear from them. We are also keen to gather donations for our shop. When people are having a clear out over the festive period and new year can I ask that they think of us. Any donations would be absolutely fantastic."

Dorset Mind’s mission is to raise awareness about mental ill health and is currently working to open more hubs in west Dorset.

Volunteers at the charity educate people about symptoms – what they are, what to expect and how to spot them and help people learn about what they can do when they experience symptoms or know someone who does.

The charity also works to challenge the stigma and inequality of mental ill health so that neither stigma nor inequality prevent people receiving the information and support they need.