AN organisational shake-up is forcing a charity to close its regional office.

Sight Savers is also shutting its only charity shop in the country next month, together with the base for its regional organiser, in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

During its 12 years in the city, the shop has raised more than £125,000 for charity.

A spokesman said: "This has been a fantastic effort by all those involved with the shop and others who have supported it. Volunteers have given up many hours to run the premises and we are very grateful to them."

Sight Savers is dedicated to combating blindness in the developing world and its closure of the shop and office in Ripon will be marked with a farewell to staff, volunteers and supporters on Friday in the Town Hall attended by the Mayor, Councillor Paul Freeman.

Changes will also mark the departure of North-East regional organiser Sue Cooke, who will be replaced by Amanda Moyse.

She will be based at Beverley in East Yorkshire, contactable on (01373) 452272.

A spokesman for the charity said changes were aimed at making fundraising more cost effective.

"We have received fantastic support from the Ripon area and we hope this will continue with events like sponsored walks, social functions and other fundraising activities just like we have had in the past," he said