The mayor welcomed shoppers and staff as cut the ribbon for a brand new British Heart Foundation (BHF) shop in Chelmsford.

Yvonne Spence was joined by staff and volunteers at yesterday's opening of the new store in High Street which will help the charity fund life-saving research into heart and circulatory disease.

The shop stocks a huge range of good quality and affordable second-hand items such as beds, wardrobes, tables, TV’s, sofas and homeware accessories.

Speaking about the new store opening, Mrs Spence said: "It was an absolute pleasure to officially open this British Heart Foundation store and meet the great staff and volunteers.

"I would encourage locals to support BHF by donating their good quality unwanted items to help this fantastic charity to beat heartbreak forever.”

Ruth Sheed, area manager at the BHF added: "The opening of the new Chelmsford store went extremely well.

"Each item sold will help the BHF fund life-saving heart research, so please do come by to see what great bargains are on offer.

"If you would rather give the gift of time, we are always in need of volunteers who can spare a couple of hours a week, so please get in touch if you are interested.”

For more information about BHF shops, please visit www.bhf.org.uk/shop