A HOSPICE is preparing to open a bargain hunter's paradise - Hartlepool's first charity department store.

Hartlepool and District Hospice is taking the concept of charity shops one step further by opening the department store on the corner of Furness Street and Raby Road.

It will offer shoppers the same bargain prices as can be found in the hospices's other outlets, but there will be an expanded range of stock to choose from and enhanced customer service.

Hospice chief executive Tony Collins said: "We are opening this new shop following feedback from shoppers.

"We found that many were fans of department stores, because of their convenience.

"This new venture seeks to offer this type of service within the charity shop marketplace."

Departments will include fashion, books, CDs, games, DVDs and videos, furniture, gifts and collectibles.

Other additions are planned for the store over the next year once it is up and running.

"Traditional charity shops tend to have an emphasis on clothes, but we believe our shoppers deserve much more choice.

"Thanks to kind support from Howdens Kitchens, Travis Perkins and Steve Wilson Joinery, we now have a shop that has everything under one roof, in a modern environment and with convenient parking, adjacent in Cameron Road.

"We hope that by making it as pleasant as possible for the shopper, we will attract more people and boost sales," said Mr Collins.

Hartlepool and District Hospice's nine charity shops must raise more than £300,000 towards the £2.3m needed to sustain and develop patient care at the hospice, in Wells Avenue, Hartlepool.

The hospice runs a warehouse in Hart Lane, Hartlepool, where people can take donations.

For further information about any of the shops, contact Hartlepool and District Hospice on (01429) 855555.