ST LEONARD'S Hospice is opening its first city centre charity in York next week.

The shop is opening at 42 Fossgate on Tuesday, August 22, just over 26 years after the hospice's first ever charity shop opened on Friday, June 21 1991 in part of the old Regent Cinema in Acomb.

The ribbon will be cut at 11am, and a prize draw will give customers chance to win tickets to York Races.

In a new experiment for St Leonard's, the shop interior has been almost entirely created from second hand furniture and donated goods - including a counter made from old bed slats, and shelving made out of recycled tables.

Goods for sale on the first day include a vintage 1960s Vivien Smith wedding dress, an LK Bennet jacket and a Radley handbag.

Helen Moreton, St Leonard’s Hospice Retail Manager, said “We’re delighted to be joining the brilliant community on Fossgate – thank you to our friends and neighbours there who have been so supportive already. We’d also like to thank Ian from Signs Express for donating our new shop fascia free of charge."

Customers on the first day are being encouraged to share any purchases on Twitter with the hashtag #MyFossgateFind.

The shop's normal opening hours will be 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday.