WREXHAM AFC’s captain Luke Young took time out from his promotion celebrations to officially Oswestry’s brand new Hope House megastore.

The Wrexham skipper joined with Amelia Thompson, 7, from Oswestry and her mum Charlotte, who receive care from the Morda-based children’s hospice to cut the ribbon on the flagship store in the former Argos in Smithfield Street on Monday.

The opening day attracted a throng of shoppers, eager for pre-loved clothing, accessories and furniture with takings for the day expected to reach an impressive £5,000.

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Hope House’s head of retail Suzanne Cumming said: “I am so incredibly excited that our new flagship shop in Oswestry is open.

“This new store looks fantastic and gives us much more space to display our pre-loved and new goods including furniture.

“We already have incredible support in Oswestry from people who bring us donations of stock and who shop with us.

“It’s great to be able to welcome all our wonderful supporters into our new shop.”

The charity, which provides vital care and support for local children with life-threatening conditions, has 15 shops across Shropshire, Cheshire, Mid and North Wales.

Together they raise more than £1 million each year towards the £7.5 million needed to fund care for every child in need.

Amelia’s mum, Charlotte, said: “Hope House has been such a huge part of Amelia’s and our lives and it’s amazing to see this new shop.

“Hopefully this new shop will raise lots of money and make sure that families like ours can get to benefit from all the care and support in future.”

Luke, who recently celebrated promotion with the club, said it was an “honour” to be part of the shop opening, while his team mate and Hope House ambassador Ollie Palmer also visited the shop.

Oswestry shop volunteers Mary Trow and Irene Edwards were enjoying visiting as shoppers for the day.

Mary said: “The new shop is brilliant. We’ve needed more space for a long time, so it’s wonderful to have the room for more stock and furniture. We love working as volunteers.”

Friends Jessie Miller, Bridie Dunbabin and Elin Humphreys, from Oswestry, discovered a fabulous haul of women’s and children’s clothes.

“I didn’t think I’d need a basket, but I do,” said Bridie.

“It’s really colourful with some great stock. We’re very impressed.”

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Loretta Parry was there with grandson Caleb Jones and Gillian Hayes.

Loretta said: “Both of our families have needed the help of Hope House in the past, and know how vital the hospice’s support and counselling services are.”

If you would like to volunteer please visit hopehouse.org.uk/volunteer or call the retail team on 01691 672607.