Mayor opens new charity shop

The British Heart Foundation opened a new charity shop in Rochdale – the site of the former Mark One clothing outlet.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift and Ms Sue Etchells, had a guided tour of the store before the ‘official’ opening, cutting the ribbon to allow members of the public in.

Mayor Keith Swift in his opening speech explained that volunteers are vital to the charity and the running of the shops, and thanked and praised them.

Mayor Swift added: “I was delighted to be invited to open the store and thank the staff for their kindness and courtesy. I purchased a TV and then took Barry Greenstreet, the Regional Director of the British Heart Foundation, on a tour of our magnificent Town hall.”

Mr Greenstreet said: “BHF shops have been very successful in other towns. We take unwanted goods from hotels and businesses as well as the general public.

“We also stock new goods that are exclusive to the British Heart Foundation.”