A Heartsease woman has vowed to relieve poverty and help those in need in Norwich by opening a charity shop to benefit the community.

Kim Easter, 66, officially opened the Storehouse Community Project shop in Magdalen Street this weekend with the help from former Norwich City player Robert Fleck.

It is full of donated clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac, and even wedding dresses aimed at supplying needy members of society with key items, as well as raising money for the community.

The project is a registered company, and is in the middle of applying for charity status.

Mrs Easter, a former entertainer, described the work of the project as 'revolutionary', and added that she wants to bring communities closer together.

She said: 'The project is local people helping local people. We have young people with no jobs and no training, and that's degrading.

'I want to see the different charity shops come together.'

Mr Fleck said he got a telephone call from Mrs Easter, who is a dedicated City fan, asking him for his support.

He added: 'I thought it was a great idea. In this time when there's not much money about, it's fantastic that people can come to this shop. There are lots of things that are reasonably priced, and for families that are struggling, it's a real help.'

The shop plans to ultimately give out food vouchers up to �25, electricity and gas cash-card top-ups, as well as supply specific items from the charity shop given directly to those in need.