A CHARITY shop forced to close when thieves caused "extensive damage" to its building has re-opened.

Helen and Douglas House charity shop in Moreton was damaged structurally after burglars broke into the store and stole several hundred pounds from a safe.

The High Street store was forced to close for the foreseeable future while work was done to mend the damage caused.

Staff said they were delighted to step back into their shop finally and thanked customers, donors and volunteers for being patient. 

Heidi Fortey, shop manager, said: "We are delighted to be able to reopen our shop in Moreton-in-Marsh and would like to thank our customers, donors and volunteers for bearing with us during the time we had to close for repair works after the break-in.

"We have lots of great items on sale, including Christmas presents, Christmas cards, sale clothing and lovely winter outfits, so do pop in to take a look whilst doing your Christmas shopping.

"We look forward to welcoming you back to our shop where you can make it a sustainable Christmas."

Images published on the social media platform showed large parts of bricks littering the shop's storage room and what looks like plastered parts of the wall hanging from the wall.

Cameras and books can be seen across the floor, along with the various large segments of bricks.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: "We were called to Moreton-in-Marsh High Street on Monday, October 9, with a report of a burglary at a shop.

"It was reported that unknown offenders had entered the shop before forcing open a safe and stealing several hundred pounds.

"An attempt had also been made to gain entry to a neighbouring shop.

"Enquiries are ongoing, and officers are asking anyone who witnessed what happened or saw suspicious activity in the area to make contact.

"Information can be provided to police by completing the following online form and quoting incident 135 of October 9: www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report."

The Moreton-in-Marsh shop is home to a host of secondhand items, including clothing, accessories, homeware, books and other quirky items. 

Helen & Douglas House is a registered charity caring for terminally ill babies, children, and young people.

They rely on voluntary donations for funding.