A charity received a boost today with the opening of a much larger shop in Wymondham.

The RSPCA has had a presence in the market town for the last 12 years, but moved across the road from Middleton Street to Church Street as part of an expansion project.

The animal charity officially opened the new store at the former AG Proctor and Son premises, which will enable staff and volunteers to sell a much larger range of goods and donations.

Sophie Howlett, branch operations manager said that all money raised from the charity's Norfolk shops will stay in the county.

'The bigger premises means that we will be able to provide a larger and more varied selection of goods for sale. Our charity shops are so important to the branch as they bring in the majority of much needed funds raised in the area that keeps the animal rehoming centre based on Barrack Street going. People do not often realise that it costs the branch �800 per day to run, and being an independent self funding charity – we receive no government assistance,' she said.

Anyone wishing to volunteer at the new shop can collect an application form from the shop at 1 Church Street any time. The old RSPCA shop in Wymondham will not stay empty for long as it will be reopened by cancer charity Star Throwers on Tuesday.

The RSPCA is also looking for a deputy manager for three days a week based at their Magdalen Street shop in Norwich. For more information, call 01603 729820.