AGE UK South Lakeland are taking a charity shop 'on the road' tomorrow.

A mobile shop will set up in a prominent part of Kendal's Market Place - just a few yards from its shop at 17 Finkle Street and will sell items between 10am and 3pm.

The independent local charity, which runs seven shops across South Lakeland, says it is a plan to find fresh ways of raising money.

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It says there has been a 42 per cent increase in older people needing help which has coincided with a corresponding reduction in funding opportunities.

John O’Brien, who oversees the charity’s extensive retail operation, said: "We are constantly challenged to find new ways of raising much needed cash for the charity.

"During the last year we managed to contribute £350k in net income that was spent delivering services, activities and support for and with local older people.”

He added: “Our new big idea is to take our shops on the road – especially focussing on those areas which don’t have a an Age UK Charity or indeed any charity shop at all.”

Clive Britton, chairman for the charity added: “There is no doubt that our retail team of staff and volunteers do a sterling job in raising income for support for older people.

"However, in the last twelve months some of our other sources of funding have come to an end yet the need from older people and communities is increasing.

"We need our teams to consider new activities and initiatives and this wonderful idea – we believe the first in the country – is part of that.”

"I am extremely thankful for all the hard work by the staff and volunteers who have rallied round to get the new mobile shop up and running.

"I would urge local people to pop into our fantastic new shop, meet the team and have a look at some of the high quality items on offer.

"Every purchase or item donated will help fund Age UK South Lakeland and the work we do for older people.”