A fledgling charity shop in Southend High Street is doing so well it is expanding so it can sell furniture.

The YMCA shop has only been open for two months and business is booming.

It is now taking over an empty unit next door, which used to be the other half of Brightwells department store until the store was divided into separate shops. The empty unit used to be Cash Generator.

Manager Pauline Jones said: "We have only just decided to take over the other shop. We put posters up and have already had offers of furniture."

The shop has bought a van and is offering free collection, although a £5 fee will be charged for delivery.

Staff can also inspect furniture for suitability if donors are unsure if it meets fire safety standards.

The shop currently takes clothes, bric-a-brac, books and electrical items, which are checked by staff before being put on sale.

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