THE Ferne Animal Sanctuary store in Crewkerne has officially opened its new location in the town centre.

The store, previously based on Market Square, moved to Falkland Square, and an official opening took place on February 23 at 11am.

The launch of Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s new charity store in the town centre aims to improve accessibility for donors and customers alike.

MP Marcus Fysh also attended the reopening.

He said: “It’s a great pleasure to open the Crewkerne branch of Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s shop.

“It’s a much-loved charity, and it’s a very important charity looking after so many animals throughout our area and it’s a great place to visit.

“It’s fantastic to have this facility now right in the centre of Crewkerne, to enable people to raise money for the charity and I hope will support it as much as they can.”

The pedestrianised shopping centre at Falkland Square has plentiful parking nearby and easy access for Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s valued customers, a key reasoning for the shop move.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary will join neighbouring retailers of Falkland Square, including Waitrose, Costa Coffee, Savers.

The new shop welcomes a modern style and sleek finish whilst offering an increased selection of stock, such as Splimple cards, pet care, and food products, in addition to all existing ranges.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary has traded in Crewkerne for six years, and in that time has built a loyal customer base across the local community, who show continued and passionate support of the shop and sanctuary.

The new store is the charity’s seventh shop to open its doors in Somerset and Devon, reflecting the animal sanctuary’s ambitious growth plans to open 20 stores by 2028.

Kevan Hodges, chief executive officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “We are proud to be opening the doors to a new charity shop in the heart of Crewkerne, providing better accessibility and a new contemporary store for our valued donor and customer base.

“We look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to the store and invite the local community to visit for the unveiling of our high-quality collections.

“This store relocation marks another step in our commitment to raise awareness of the sanctuary and fund life-changing chances for rescued animals.

“Each purchase made will support the sanctuary's vital operations, from animal rescue and adoption services to rehabilitation and extensive medical care needed for long-term residents.”