A cancer charity received a boost to its retail operation today with the official opening of a distribution centre.

The new Big C depot in Allenbrooks Way, Wymondham, will act as a hub for collecting, sorting and sending out all the items donated to the charity for its network of stores.

The cancer support charity needs to raise �1.7m a year to fund its services and around �500,000 is generated through its shops.

Chief executive Daniel Williams said the opening of the charity's first distribution warehouse would make a big difference.

'Our shops give the community the opportunity to support us and this centre, which is central to Norfolk will enable us to get the right stock to the right shops,' he said.

Big C, which was formed in 1981 to provide fund cancer equipment, support and research, has seven charity shops in Beccles, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Sheringham, and Wymondham and is set to open new stores in Cromer and King's Lynn.

The ribbon cutting duties on the distribution centre were performed by life vice-president of the Big C, Theresa Cossey.

The depot also has a showroom where donations can be purchased and a craft club where volunteers recycle and update items. Clothes and bric-a-brac will be cleaned, sorted and tagged at the centre and small electrical items will be tested. Donations can be dropped off between 10am and 4pm and will be taken by appointment only.

For more information about the craft club, call warehouse manager Wendy Brown 01953 603320. Anyone wishing to volunteer can email shona.howes@big-c.co.uk