A SEAFRONT news-agent is giving away his stock to charity as part of a closing down sale.

John Davidson, 64, will close the doors of Austin's Newsagents in Weymouth for the last time on Saturday after 30 years in the business.

But rather than dump his remaining toys, ornaments, buckets and spades he has invited the town's charity shops to come along and take what they want.

He said: "I thought it would be a shame to just throw everything away so I decided the charities could have it all instead.

"As long as they arrive with a bona-fide charity identification they can have as little or as much as they want for free.

"If nothing else they will now have enough tombola prizes for the next 10 years." Austin's, which was first opened by Cliff Austin in 1946, is currently having a half-price sale for members of the public.

Mr Davidson decided retirement was the best option following a drop in tobacco, newspaper and record sales.

He said: "I have been in touch with a few of the local charities and I hope they are able to come along.

"A shop like Austin's is part of the community in the same way a charity shop is, so if we get the chance to help each other I think we should.

"Hopefully it will all go on Saturday but if there is anything left I guess we will take it to the car boot or something."

Second-hand store Cash Generator, owned by Weymouth hotelier Nick Bourne, will take over the site.

He will open the new store following refurbishment on October 6.

Christine Bean, retail manager at CLIC charity shop in St Thomas Street, said: "Austin's contacted me to tell me about the sale and I thought it was such a kind thing to do.

"It just goes to show that there are still people around who like to put something back into the community.

"I will be going along to see what they have left."

Austin's will be open from 9am to 6pm on September 16.