GUITAR legend Gordon Giltrap was the front man at the opening of a new charity store in Evesham this week.

The new Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust Home Furnishing Store was officially opened by Mr Giltrap, a patron of the Evesham based charity, alongside founder, Sue Sollis.

A welcoming crowd greeted the arrival of the guitarist on Monday (January 12) for the event next door to the current charity shop in Evesham’s Library Arcade.

There was applause as the ribbon was cut and the store declared "well and truly open" by Mr Giltrap, who has been supporting Mrs Sollis and the foundation she set in memory of her daughter Tracy Sollis.

The trust’s new venture has the backing of local businesses, Evesham Self Drive, Car and Van Hire which will be providing a vehicle for all pick-ups and deliveries, and Bradford Carpets, which is donating many items of stock.

Mrs Sollis said: "My grateful thanks to everyone who made the day such a success. Special thanks to our dedicated patron Gordon Giltrap, and the marvellous team of volunteers who worked extremely hard towards getting the premises ready in time.

"The day was very encouraging with many complementary comments about the new premises and the reasonable pricing of items."

Everyone who came along was made very welcome and enjoyed home-made cakes provided by volunteers Claire Sandalls and Marion Bratt.