A CHARITY shop in Wellington is calling for donations and support after experiencing a “financially challenging” few months.

After the Christmas buzz, Ferne Animal Sanctuary charity shop on Fore Street has seen less shoppers and donations which has strained their monthly targets.

Clare Shaw, Ferne Animal Sanctuary's Wellington charity shop manager, said: “We did really well over Christmas but like many other charity shops in Wellington, January and February were financially challenging. Due to the cost of living still being high, it is understandable that shoppers may want to save their pennies. A few weeks ago we only made £56 in one day, it cost more money for me to be there.”

The money raised from the Wellington charity shop goes to Ferne Animal Sanctuary, in the Blackdown Hills which provides refuge and rehabilitation for more than 300 animals.

The non-government funded charity relies solely on fundraising through grants and donations.

Clare continued: “I believe lots of other charity shops are worried during this period as targets are not being met.”

In December last year, the Wellington Weekly publicised the charity shop’s appeal for more volunteers.

As a result, the amount of volunteers at the store has nearly doubled in size.

Now, the shop is currently under refurbishment to create a larger shop floor. This will allow baby clothes to be sold and more shelf space for clothes and bric and brac.

Clare reiterated that donations are always welcome, especially baby clothes for the new section of the store.

To create the larger shop floor, one of the back walls in the shop has been knocked down and Clare’s office has moved downstairs.

The charity shop will be closed for the week (commencing Monday, March 16) and hopes to reopen on Sunday, March 22.