THERE were celebrations at Warrington's Salvation Army headquarters on Saturday with the opening of the organisation's new charity shop.

The project has been more than 18 months in the making but now the work is completed and the building officially opened.

The Salvation Army's divisional commander, Major Geoffrey Parkin, representatives from the Warrington branch, the architects and the builders, met for the official opening ceremony, accompanied by members of the charity's band.

The shop makes around £40,000 a year in gross takings and this money is used to support the Salvation Army's work and the day centre it runs in Warrington. Selling everything from clothes to furniture, it is staffed totally by volunteers.

"The new building will be much warmer for customers and staff," added Major Smith. "It's a much more pleasant environment.

"And with all garments for sale at just 70 pence, we have created a service that is accessible to everyone."