A charity shop is asking donators to follow one golden rule as it celebrates reopening after lockdown.

After almost five months, the Age Concern shop in the Guildhall Forecourt, Sandwich, returned to business last weekend.

Staff were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Sandwich to mark the milestone which will help them raise funds to support the running of its over 50s centre close by.

“It feels very good to be back again,” said shop manager, Dan Friend.

But with a number of changed procedures due to Covid-19 regulations, Mr Friend is making a special plea to make sure that donations can be resold.

He said: "Traditionally, the shop receives a huge amount of donations but sadly a lot of bags cannot be used.

"The golden rule when considering donating is, 'Would I buy this?'"

The donation process has also changed. In future, those wishing to donate clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac are asked to make an appointment first either by phone on 01304 626959 or email daniel.friend@ageconcernsandwich.com

In line with government guidelines, all donation bags will be left untouched for 48 hours before being sorted ready to go out for sale in the shop.

The shop's new opening times are Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 1am, reflecting the changing pattern of shoppers and the number of volunteers, many of whom have had to shield during the height of the pandemic.

The Age Concern Centre in Cattle Market is still unable to operate its Day Centre or dementia services but meals on wheels, hairdressing and podiatry are available by appointment.

The centre is also offering refreshments and homemade snacks in the outside courtyard from 9.30am to 1.30pm with table service only.

All social distancing and safety precautions remain in place.

Call 01304 614237 to find out more.

Read more: All the latest news from Sandwich