OXFAM'S York branch is receiving a fashionable makeover by a top design company, which was founded by international style-guru Terence Conran.

The Conran Design Group is refurbishing the Oxfam branch in Goodramgate, as part of a massive revamp of the charity's 850 stores across the UK, aimed at presenting a new global modern image.

Terence Conran founded the company in 1956, but sold his share in 1990 to Havas Advertising, who decided to keep his name.

A major influential figure in the design world, Conran was also responsible for bringing Habitat to the high street.

David Worthington, managing director of Conran Design, said: "The shop design very much keeps alive the spirit of Terence Conran. It's a very classic design which is simple and honest. It's also done with the budget very much in mind so they are able to afford it. It will be a more organised shop and a much more pleasant environment. It's bringing Oxfam into the 21st century."

The work has been part-funded by an international donor while the Conran Design Group have charged fees well below the market rate in view of Oxfam's charitable status.

To reduce cost and wastage, some items, such as shelving, will be reused in the new shop or passed to existing Oxfam stores.

The new-look shop will provide customers with a wider range of new and used goods including electrical items, books and crafts and will also contain a women's, men's and children's clothing section.

Angela Moore, branch manager of the York store, said: "The shop is going to look really good. The Conran design is a lot fresher and more informative to the public. ''The colour scheme consists of creams and greens. It's going to be more like a proper high street shop and less like a jumble sale. It will be clean, crisp and accessible. I think then public will really like it."

The Lord Mayor, Coun Shan Braund, will officially open the new-look store on August 3.

matthew.woodcock@ycp.co.uk