A NATIONAL charity has opened up a new store in York - and is encouraging residents to help raise vital funds for life saving research.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) opened its new shop in York on Monday (April 12) in Clifton Gate Retail Park in the city.

The charity says it’s "thrilled" to open the new shop as it seeks to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on its income.

Lee Hare, area manager at the British Heart Foundation, said: "We are thrilled to be opening our doors to the York community. We want to encourage as many people as possible to come and see the great bargains on offer. Every item sold will help the BHF fund life saving research. Now, more than ever, we urgently need public support so we can continue to support the charity’s important work. 

“If you’re still looking to donate items you have been clearing out during lockdown, we would love to receive any unwanted quality sofas, furniture, homeware or electrical items. Donating couldn’t be easier or safer; for larger items, you can now arrange a free Covid-secure collection.

“Every pound raised in our shops helps us to support the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases. Your donations can help us, help them.”

The BHF team hopes the local community will show their support by donating good quality items or popping in to snap up a bargain.

Following the temporary closure of the BHF’s 730 shops and stores across the UK in 2020 and the more recent lockdown, the crisis has been costing the charity millions of pounds a month, which it fears will reduce its future funding for research and scientific breakthroughs.

The BHF York store has measures in place to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe. Customers will be asked to social distance on the shop floor, all staff and volunteers have been provided with protective equipment, and donations and deliveries will be Covid-secure.

The BHF also has fashion shops in Goodramgate and Bridge Street.