A children’s charity is moving its distribution and warehouse operation.

Previously based at a large site off Sandling Road, Maidstone, Demelza’s new centre is in Sheldon Way, Larkfield.

It will include a shop and house the charity’s e-commerce operation.

Demelza provides clinical care and emotional support to children with serious or life-limiting conditions, and their families.

Its work is financed by donations and by money generated in its 30 second-hand shops.

The charity’s six-year lease on the Maidstone site expired in March, and the land is due to be redeveloped as part of a £50m town centre regeneration partnership between KCC and Maidstone council that will provide 217 new homes and a retail courtyard.

Ashley Henson, the director of retail at Demelza, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have signed the lease agreement for our new distribution centre at Unit 3, Sheldon Way.

“The new site will host a donation station, storage and distribution area, office space for our retail and e-commerce teams and one of our biggest shops yet.

“With a focus on sustainability and plans to reduce waste, the centre will develop new in-house processes around textile recycling and renewable practices, as well as offering job and volunteering opportunities to the local community.

“We hope to be up and running in the autumn and in the meantime, would encourage supporters to donate and shop at their nearest outlet, details of which can be found on our website.”

Demelza has 30 charity shops across the south east and relies on an army of volunteers to keep their stores running.

It has even attracted celebrities such as long-term Demelza ambassador and Eurovision Song Contest winner with Bucks Fizz Cheryl Baker, who regularly volunteers at her local Demelza shop in Tonbridge.

The new distribution centre and shop will open in the autumn but the charity is looking for volunteer staff now. Those interested should email volunteering@demelza.org.uk.

The charity’s shops in the Royal Star Arcade and in Earl Street, Maidstone, remain open.