A new charity shop will be opening in Halesworth to help fund the care of children and young people with life-threatening conditions.

Internationally-renowned artist Lucy Loveheart will be opening the East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) shop at The Old Creamery in Angel Link, on Friday, March 3.

The shop will be the charity's first addition to its retail portfolio in 2017 and will add to the 21 other stores across the region.

It will also be the first EACH shop to feature a purpose-built area for children, with an activity table and areas to relax in and play while parents browse the shelves.

The children's corner will feature a print designed and produced by Ms Loveheart, who will also decorate some of the wall space.

Ms Loveheart, who lives in Norfolk, is a staunch supporter of EACH, having helped to organise its LoveArt competition last year and designed two exclusive Christmas cards.

She said: 'I'm very excited to be involved in creating a new concept at EACH's latest shop in Halesworth.

'EACH approached me to help create a kids' corner and I was more than happy to offer my creative support to make this something fun and appealing to children.

'When they asked me to also open the shop I was delighted to agree as it will give me the chance to see it all come together.'

Last year EACH opened shops in Bungay, Unthank Road in Norwich, Holt, Ipswich and Leiston. It is now aiming to boost its presence in high streets across the region by eight shops per year.

The shop will offer a range of high-quality goods, helping to fund the care and support of children and young people with life-threatening conditions and their families.

Tony Grimmer, EACH retail area manager, said: 'We're delighted that plans are now well under way to extend our retail offering to Halesworth. The signs are up on the new premises and we hope lots of people will recognise the EACH brand from our other shops and the work we do in the community.

'What's particularly exciting about this is the addition of our first ever kids' corner. We're so pleased Lucy agreed to offer her creative touch and it's fitting that she should be opening the shop.

'As ever when we open new shops, we're on the look out for good-quality donations and volunteers to help us become successful.'

EACH is after donations of the following clean and good-quality goods to sell: clothing, bric-a-brac, modern paperbacks, toys, jewellery, DVDs/CDs, household linens, retro and vintage clothes and small electrical items. These can be dropped off at the new shop from Thursday, March 2.

The charity also needs donations of good-quality furniture and can collect it free of charge if you are unable to transport it yourself. You can contact its Retail Distribution Centre on 01842 821620 for more information.

To find out more about volunteering at the Halesworth shop, contact Mr Grimmer by emailing tony.grimmer@each.org.uk or calling 07597089424.