A CHARITY which aims to improve the lives of older people has opened a shop in Helmsley.

The centre, run by Age UK Scarborough and District, a locally-based independent charity, was officially opened by Ryedale MP Kevin Hollinrake

Julie-Anne Macey, chief executive of the charity, said: “Following the closure of the Age UK England shop in the town a few months ago, we decided as a local charity that we would like to have a presence within the Helmsley area.

“Any monies or donations that are made, are used to help the elderly within our local area.

“We have opened it at the moment as a shop, however, we plan on turning this into a resource centre, with community link worker drop-in, a space for tea and coffee, a

table to play game and some activities being central to the centre.

“We are looking to recruit more volunteers to help in the centre.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can either phone Avril Taylor, the shop manager, on 01439 770501 or go to ageuk.org.uk/scarboroughanddistrict