CUSTOMERS queued in the pouring rain last Friday to be the first to set foot in Tavistock's newly relocated Oxfam shop in West Street.

The generosity of Tavistock people meant the previous Oxfam clothing shop in Market Street and the book shop in North Street, were bursting at the seams with donations of clothing, books, home-wares and music.

At the official opening of the new shop, manager Jackie Theobald said: 'All our stock is from Tavistock and this is how amazing Tavistock is.

'The new shop feels like a vindication of all the work the team has done. The new stockrooms are filled and there is still a lot of stock at the other shops.'

The new shop has been fitted with flooring which is 60% recycled plastic and 40% rubber, all the lighting has been fitted with energy saving light-bulbs and the hangers are made from sustainable sources.

Sarah Farquhar, Oxfam head of retail in the UK, who was at the opening, said: 'We're absolutely delighted with the new shop. There is great community support here and Oxfam is dependant on that.

'There is a strong history of success in Tavistock, with a great team of enthusiastic volunteers and a giving community — without that magical formula Oxfam wouldn't exist. Tavistock is a great example of how this formula works.

'Having a bigger shop means we're able to sell more and make more money. The shop has a really good modern look and a good layout and we hope this is an opportunity to achieve even more.'

Donations to the new shop can now be Gift Aided with the 'Tag your Bag' campaign. UK taxpayers can fill out a simple form with a donation, which means the charity can claim back 28% more from the Government on any money raised from the donation.

Now the new shop is up and running, work will start on the old Oxfam clothing shop in Market Street to turn it into the new bookshop, which it is hoped will open in late November.

With the expansion of the shop, Oxfam is now in need of more volunteers. Anyone who is able to spare a few hours a week, please contact Jackie on 01822 615534.