BROADCHURCH producer Chris Chibnall provided the relaunch of a popular Bridport charity store with a star-studded twist.

The writer and executive producer of the smash-hit ITV crime drama, cut the ribbon for the Cancer Research UK store on East Street this morning to mark its reopening.

Store manager Pat Blake said refurbishments to the store took one week but has made the space much brighter and has given the store more room for items.

She added that the Bridport store is now in its 26th year and throughout that time has raised a total of £2.3 million for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Chibnall, who lives in Bridport, said he often brings unwanted items into the store and described the new look of the space as 'terrific, bigger better and brighter.'

He added: “Cancer Research UK do excellent work and like many other people I am sure, the charity is one close to my heart because cancer has affected my family and friends.

“The fact that the charity have a store in Bridport I think is also very important for the local area.

“The new store looks terrific and I was glad to be asked to help with the relaunch.”

Pat Blake said she knew Chris was a supporter of Cancer Research UK and the work of the charity, so asked him if he could attend and he agreed.

She added: “Chris being here for the relaunch been fantastic for the store but also very exciting.

“Broadchurch has been brilliant for Bridport as a whole so a guest like Chris makes an impact on the residents here.”

Volunteer George Bower, 21, has been working at the Bridport store for six weeks and was there for the relaunch.

He said: “The store appears a lot bigger, brighter and overall welcoming with a great new atmosphere.

“It's also cool that we were able to have such a well-known name in Bridport here for the opening.”