You cannot beat a bargain, and when it is one that helps charity it becomes priceless.

Expectant shoppers gathered in their hordes for the opening of the Cancer Research UK shop in New Road, Gravesend.

The store is the latest addition to the charity’s high street portfolio of 591 shops and is selling a range of items for £3 or less, offering people in the area an affordable way to shop and support the charity’s life-saving research.

The official opening was performed by breast cancer survivor Liz Ware, 47, who has a family history of the disease.

The mum-of-three lost her mother, grandmother, aunt and cousin to cancer. She said: “My experience made me realise how important it is to fund research to look for more ways to diagnose, treat and cure cancer.

“This new shop is another way people from Gravesend can help in the fight against cancer.”

The store, which is located opposite Tesco, was packed with shoppers within minutes of opening its doors. It is selling quality clothes, accessories and household goods, with all profits going to the charity’s work to?help beat cancer sooner.

Manager Tina Knevett said: “We’re delighted to be opening a new shop in Gravesend and hope that local people will pop by and see what bargains can be found.

“We are so grateful to Liz for coming along to be our special guest. Her story brings home the importance of the charity’s ground-breaking work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.”

The shop also has a community board with health information leaflets. Hanging tickets detailing the charity’s science and stories are also dotted through the clothing rails.

Tina said: “As well as providing a great shopping experience, we hope the shop will inform and inspire our supporters.

“People can help get our new shop off to a flying start by shopping with us, donating stock for our shelves or generously offering their time as volunteers.

“We have a number of volunteer roles on offer from serving customers to dressing windows. No matter how much time a person can give or what their experience, we would love for them to get in touch.”

Donations of good-quality clothes, shoes, bags are welcomed as well as household items, books , CDs or DVDs. Each bag of clothes donated to Cancer Research UK is worth around £30 – even more if people sign up for Gift Aid.

For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, call 0300 123 1022, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org. or follow on Twitter and Facebook.