The new RSPCA charity shop on Mundesley Road, North Walsham. Jan Banks, who will be a volunteer at the shop, with her cat Zeph and in the background, left, branch manager for RSPCA East Norfolk, Debra Cook and deputy manager Dawn Vincent. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

A new charity shop has opened in North Walsham with proceeds going to help the welfare of animals in the area.

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The RSPCA East Norfolk Branch shop is based at 11 Mundesley Road, which was formerly a DIY store.

An RSPCA spokesman has defended the decision to open in Walsham, which already has seven charity shops, including one with two outlets.

Debra Cook, area branch manager, said there were no animal charities represented in the town.

“It is quite an empty town and I think the charity shops really keep it alive. It’s an area of quite high unemployment where people’s purses are limited.

“They can buy clothes in charity shops at a cheaper price,” said Mrs Cook.

“It’s also giving volunteering opportunities to help people back into work.”

The shop will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday, staffed by manager Debbie Warren-Clark, deputy manager Dawn Vincent, and volunteers.

Initially all the stock will be second hand, including clothing, bric-a-brac and DVDs, said Mrs Cook.

Monies raised would pay for the charity’s boarding facilities in Stalham from where animals including cats, dogs, rabbits and ferrets are rehomed, many in the North Walsham area, said Mrs Cook,

Funds were also needed to cover vets’ bills and help those who could not afford to care for pets.

Local supporters had rallied round to stock the shop but more goods and extra volunteers would be welcome. Call at the shop or ring 01692 406203 for more details.

The Walsham shop is the third in the RSPCA’s east Norfolk district. It has two others in Great Yarmouth. There are also RSPCA shops in Cromer, two in Norwich and one in Lowestoft.