Shop manager Shirley Clarke (front seated) with one of the Rupert books kindly donated to Kent Kids Dreams in Whitstable. Picture: Chris Davey.

A donation of Rupert The Bear memorabilia has been warmly received by a Whitstable charity shop.

Kent Kids Dreams in Oxford Street, which supports former kmfm and Gazette Charity of the Year, Kent Kids Miles of Smiles now boasts a vast collection of toys, annuals and comics from the famous bear’s adventures.

The haul was kindly donated by Margaret Bush, from Chartham, who hopes to help the care home, based in Stodmarsh Road, raise some vital funds.

Michelle Moxley, community fundraiser with Kent Kids, was delighted to receive Margaret’s support.

She said: “It’s her own collection which she wanted to be handed over to a children’s charity to raise money.

“We’ve had it for a couple of weeks now and had it valued by auctioneers, who advised us the best way to sell it is as individual items, because there’s such a wide range. One of the problems we’ve had is that it’s quite difficult to put a total price on something like this, so we’re just hoping it can generate some interest and get us some vital money at the same time.”

The shop is open every day, except Wednesday and Sunday, from 9am until 4.30pm to view the collection.

Donations of clothes, furniture and toys are always welcome. For more information, contact shop manager Shirley Clarke on 01227 273273.