A new flagship store for the Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House opens next month in King's Lynn.

The new shop is opening in a unit on the St Nicholas Retail Park, off Edward Benefer Way, near the Wickes DIY store, on March 3.

The hospice already has nine shops across the county, providing more than 40pc of the income needed to fund the specialist care provided in north and west Norfolk and the Fens.

The new unit will be the hospice's largest store and, as well as selling traditional charity shop goods, will stock a range of new goods, locally produced goods and upcycled furniture.

The hospice is now looking for volunteers to help run the shop and donations of clothes, bric-a-brac and furniture to sell.

Mark Shea, commercial director at the Norfolk Hospice, said: 'Our shops are a vital stream of income for the hospice.

'This new shop will provide extra revenue for the hospice and will allow for the expansion of specialist care services in the local area.

'Our voluntary workforce is crucial to the success of our shops and we desperately need local people to come forward and give up a few hours of their time to help make this new shop a success.'

The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House has been providing care, comfort and compassion to those in west and north Norfolk nearing the end of their lives, and to their families and friends, since 1984.

Last September the charity moved into its new residential hospice facility in Hillington and is working towards opening its new inpatient facility later this year.

The hospice only receives 10pc of its funding from the NHS, so it relies on help from donations and legacies, and from volunteering.

To volunteer in the new shop, call the volunteer co-ordinator, Cheryl Harrison on 01485 601700. Donations of saleable items can be taken to the new shop or any of the existing hospice shops. See the hospice's website www.norfolkhospice.org.uk

Are you opening a new shop in King's Lynn and west Norfolk? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk