It's the season everyone has a wardrobe clearout, so there are lots of rich pickings at your local charity shop. Age UK in Ripon shows the way

With spring just around the corner, it will soon be time to pack away the woolly jumpers and jeans and rediscover the joys of fashion. Spring symbolises new beginnings and renewal and the season’s fashion embodies this energy. Catwalks at Milan, New York and London and Paris were awash with a host of exciting new trends – from traditional and nostalgic paisley prints to whimsical floaty dresses, polka dots and animal prints. The colour scheme is full of light, with vibrant yellows and fuchsia pinks setting the tone.

The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune on your new look. You can find your own inspiration for the new season from the array of on-trend items and outfits rummaging around at a local charity shop, the perfect way to update your look at affordable prices. To show how, staff at the Age UK shop in Ripon have interpreted designer trends into wearable, everyday looks, modelling a range of outfits which all capture the excitement of the new season.

“One of the best things about our shop is we really do cater for everyone, including men and women, young and more mature fashions," says Ripon's Age UK shop manager Tracey Goodier. "There are always plenty of fashion gems on our rails, so come and find something unique to make you feel ready for the new season.”

The money raised through Age UK’s shops goes towards supporting the charity’s work for older people delivering hands-on local services through the Age UK network, such as lunch clubs, home safety checks, and Age UK’s much -used free advice line (open 365 days a year).

Age UK has over 400 shops across the country, which are reliant on the donations to keep the shelves stocked and supported by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. The shops accept unwanted goods such as clothing and accessories, gifts, toys, household items and shoes.

Donations can be maximised by signing up to gift aid. Completing a basic form when you donate goods means that Age UK receives an extra 25p from the government for every £1 that is raised from donations.

To find your local Age UK shop or for more information about Age UK, visit ageuk.org.uk.