A pop-up charity shop has become a permanent addition to a Maidstone shopping centre.

The borough’s mayor, Cllr Fay Gooch, officially opened The Heart of Kent Hospice store in The Mall last Tuesday, surrounded by the organisation’s staff and volunteers.

Rachel Street, chief executive of Heart of Kent Hospice, said: “We are excited to be opening a new permanent shop in The Mall, Maidstone, as this is something we have wanted to achieve for many years.

“We opened our first shop 30 years ago and now have a total of 14 shops around Kent.

“We hope people will continue donating their pre-loved items to all our shops. They play an essential part in our fundraising and help towards the £5 million it costs annually to provide our free, compassionate, end-of-life care to those living with a terminal illness and their loved ones in the local community.”

The store opens following the success of ‘Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade’ that took place around Maidstone last summer, which saw a temporary pop-up shop open in the town centre named ‘Elmer HQ’.

Its new permanent location is on the upper level of the The Mall Maidstone, opposite T.J.Hughes.

The charity is also looking for additional volunteers to join its friendly retail team.

Store roles would involve helping welcome and serve customers, sort donated goods and create eye-catching displays.

If you would like to know more, you can pop into the shop or e-mail volunteers@hokh.co.uk