A charity supporting children and families has reopened in a new store in a Norfolk town's high street.

The YMCA has opened a shop in Mere Street, Diss 14 months after the charity closed its original store when the landlord let the shop space to the Card Factory.

Customers at the new premises will be able to select from a range of goods including clothes, furniture, bric-a-brac and books.

The shop, which opened on Thursday, is staffed by one full-time and one part-time employee and the money raised will pay for the charity's work in the town, including outreach workers responsible for helping troubled residents get their lives back on track.

These included helping them to manage their money and introducing them to potential employers.

Mike McCormack, the YMCA's district manager, said he did not believe there was a trend towards the High Street filling with charity shops at the expense of commercial retailers as shoppers seek cheaper goods during the economic downturn.

He added: 'I would not say there is a boom in charity shops at the moment. We are here to help local people and sell furniture, bric-a-brac and that is what we are here for, but charity shops have always been here.'

He said the YMCA shop had always been popular when it was based at the current Card Factory shop.

'Obviously, we are well supported within the town and we had the opportunity to move back in, so we took it,' Mr McCormack said.

The charity is seeking donations from the public. To donate, visit the Mere Street store.