THE new flagship store for St Richard’s Hospice in Worcester enjoyed a successful Christmas Fayre, with thousands flocking to the shop and café during the annual event.

The newly refurbished store, opened in the summer in St Swithin’s Street, was decorated for the Festive Season by staff and volunteers. The decorations attracted many admiring comments, especially the 20ft real Christmas tree which has been dressed with vintage teacups, ribbon and tinsel.

Danny Corns, commercial director for St Richard’s, said: "We were overwhelmed by the support we have received from visitors to our stores during the Fayre. Our store in Mealcheapen Street and our new store and café in St Swithin’s Street were very popular during the annual event, with many visitors having very personal reasons for supporting our charity. Due to the generous donations of pre-loved clothes, books and bric-a-brac by local residents, we still have a great selection of Christmas gifts, cards and pre-loved clothing and books. We would welcome anyone who wishes to visit our new store to see it decked out for its first Christmas and would be grateful for any donations of good quality items to replenish stocks.”

During the Christmas Fayre weekend, the hospice café staff and volunteers prepared more than 1,100 servings of tea, coffee and cake. Shoppers found plenty of pre-loved and new items in the store, choosing gifts and Christmas cards for friends and family, or finding their perfect dress for a Christmas dinner or party. Generous shoppers spent more than £15,000 during the week of the Fayre, which will help the hospice continue to offer compassionate care to patients with life threatening illnesses and to support their loved ones through bereavement.