A THRIFT shop started 30 years ago in aid of a village hall is celebrating this week, after raising thousands of pounds for good causes.

Nearly 40 volunteers who have helped to run Pensax Thrift Shop over the years will enjoy an anniversary lunch at the Hundred House Hotel, Great Witley, on Saturday.

They have staffed the shop, near Tenbury, every Wednesday morning for 10 months of the year, selling all kinds of goods on behalf of villagers, from home baked cakes and preserves, to garden plants and produce, toys, books and clothes.

One special table is set aside each week for charity, while 10 per cent of the proceeds from the other stalls goes to the village hall.

Those who contribute goods receive 90 per cent of the takings.

"We also have an annual charity day, when people donate goods for sale and prizes for a raffle.

"This year we raised £1,300 for the County Air Ambulance," said Thrift Shop organiser, Nerys Didlick.

"The shop was started to save the village hall, which was nearly lost for lack of funds. Since then, we have brought it up to scratch, with new roof, windows, kitchen, curtains, heating, painting and an extension, including toilets for the disabled.

"We sell everything except livestock and we're especially busy in the spring, when everyone is looking for bedding plants."

The shop has raised around £10,000 for the village hall and £17,000 for other good causes.