A CHARITY shop dedicated to funding care for people with terminal and long-term illnesses has staged an event to launch its autumn and winter selection of clothes.

Staff and volunteers at the Sue Ryder store in Millgate, Thirsk charity shop were joined by their counterparts from the Northallerton branch to welcome scores of customers to its first VIP-style event to highlight its seasonal stock.

Organisers of the event, which featured a prize draw donated by firms in the area, said it was successful in raising both £100 and the profile of the store.

The shop's manager, Liz Attwooll, said she had been overwhelmed by the volume of support from residents and volunteers.

She said: "The money raised will help to ensure that people who are not going to get better can still enjoy the best quality of life for as long as they live."

The charity provides care through its hospices, neurological centres, in the community and in people’s homes for 16,000 people with life-changing illness, including cancer and dementia, every year.