A HOSPICE has opened a paradise for retro fashion lovers.

Supporters in 1940s clothing helped launch Hartlepool and District Hospice's new vintage lifestyle store on Saturday.

The shop, on the corner of Furness Street and Raby Road, Hartlepool, is the charity's latest retail initiative to raise funds to help people affected by terminal illness or the death of a loved one.

Chief executive Tony Collins said: "The potential of the vintage clothing market is as yet a somewhat unexplored area of charity retailing, despite evidence of the popularity of mainstream fashion stores which stock vintage clothing.

"This shop offers people a unique opportunity to purchase authentic items from the 1940s, 50s, 60s and 70s, while also shopping with a conscience.

"Every purchase people make will go directly towards helping individuals and families in their own communities at a very difficult time in their lives."

He added: "Charity shops still have a somewhat dated image with a lot of people. We are committed to modernising our shops' network and remaining in touch with what the buying public wants.

"In return for this commitment, we hope to attract more and more people to buy in our stores, which in turn raises significant funds towards providing the unique and vital services we offer."