Volunteers who run the Macmillan Cancer Support charity shop in Hethersett are to retire from their responsibilities at the end of the year as the shop closes.

Since opening in 1993, the Macmillan Cancer Support shop on Great Melton Road in Hethersett has raised more than £1,025,356 to help people affected by cancer. The shop is run by members of the Hethersett Committee and more than 60 dedicated shop volunteers who have all generously given up their time to support Macmillan.

Emily Ford, area fundraising manager in Norfolk and Suffolk said: 'There are a lot of responsibilities associated with running a charity shop, including investment in resources to ensure effective retail management. As a charity we have a duty to invest in the most efficient fundraising activities possible in local communities and to review how we best do this on a regular basis. We believe that working with volunteers to support Macmillan in other ways is the best way forward.

'We have carefully considered the position and individual circumstances of the Hethersett shop. After consulting the Hethersett Committee and shop volunteers, we have decided that November 2018 is the best time for the shop to close and for the volunteers to enjoy a well-deserved break.

'We have not taken this decision lightly as we greatly appreciate the dedication of the shop committee and volunteers for their tireless support of Macmillan over the years, raising more than £1m to help people living with cancer. We are keen to recognise and celebrate their efforts locally, and will be supporting them to remain involved with Macmillan if they wish to.

'On behalf of the charity, we are hugely grateful for all the support we have received from the shop's loyal customers, who have contributed to Macmillan's vital work in supporting people affected by cancer across Norfolk.'

Lesley Chamberlin, the committee's secretary said: 'I became involved with Macmillan Cancer Support shortly after the shop opened in 1994 and have had the pleasure of working with about sixty different volunteers over that time, all of whom used their various talents to make the project such a success and keep a strong Macmillan presence in the community. Many local people have not only purchased goods but kept us well supplied with stock which has been a great help. We would also like to thank the many local businesses that have helped us over the years and the organisations that ran events and coffee mornings that made a great contribution to our overall fundraising achievements each year.'

The Hethersett shop will continue to receive donations of unwanted clothing until November 2018. Later in the year, Macmillan Cancer Support will provide advice about where to donate goods once the shop has closed.