A NEW Barnardo’s store has opened in a north Durham town.

The Blackhill Community Store at 38 Durham Road, Blackhill, Consett, will raise money to support vulnerable children and their families in the area.

Area business manager for Barnardo’s, Jo Strachan said: “We had a very busy opening day.

“We’re really looking forward to serving the local community in Blackhill and welcoming new customers to our new shop.”

She added: “We’d also like to ask people for their help. We need to recruit volunteers to help us run the store and we need stock to sell.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our shops and we would not be able to do what we do without them.

"We’re a very friendly small team and look forward to meeting those who have an interest in joining us.”

Ms Strachan said the new store also needs donations of quality women’s, men’s and children’s wear as well as accessories including shoes and bags, bric-a-brac, toys, DVDs and books and games.

For more details, call into the shop for an informal chat.