NEWLIFE, the charity for disabled children is to open a store in Yeovil.

The grand opening is on April 12, when all non-essential retail are able to trade for the first time this year.

The pop-up store is taking over the former River Island shop in Vicarage Walk.

It will open Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5pm, and on Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

The store will sell women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and homeware items that have been donated from designer labels and high street retailers at reduced prices.

Measures will be in place to ensure the premises are Covid secure and in line with all Government guidelines such as social distancing measures and extra aisle space to protect customers and staff.

Harjinder Samra, deputy commercial director at Newlife, said: “We’re so excited to be expanding our retail operation and finally opening our new Newlife store to shoppers in Yeovil on April 12.

“The last 12 months have been difficult for all non-essential retailers and Newlife, as a charity, has been particularly hit hard.

"But with thousands of families relying on us for grants and emergency loans of specialist equipment we are doing everything we possibly can to move forward.

“Now the pop-up shop will give our customers across Somerset the chance to pick up great quality clothing and other items at bargain prices and means the charity can continue to provide vital support – we all hope to see you there.”

The Yeovil outlet will be Newlife’s eighth store, with other shops operating in Cannock, Staffordshire, Moreton, Wirral and Yardley in Birmingham.

Newlife, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, raises vital funds for its charity services by working with more than 300 leading retailers and manufacturers across the UK and Europe who donate items that would otherwise be destined for landfill, mainly customer returns, faulty items or end of line products. Where possible, they are re-sold at a reduced rate in Newlife’s stores locally.

As well as working to providing equipment for disabled children, Newlife also operates a nurse-run helpline and contributes to changes in local and national policies on the provision of equipment for disabled children.