Published: April 21, 2012
In photos: Mayor opens new Burnham-On-Sea animal charity shop

A Somerset-based animal rescue centre opened a brand new charity shop in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (April 21st).

The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has opened in Regent Street to raise money for the care and re-homing of needy animals.

The shop was opened by Burnham and Highbridge's Mayor and Mayoress, Michael and Maria Clarke, watched by the charity's chief executive, David Warner, and over 30 supporters.

The shop is eight miles from the trust's rescue centre, based at Heaven's Gate Farm in Langport, and will be an important way of promoting its work.

In addition to a wide range of items for sale, the shop also displays information about some of the latest animals available for re-homing.

The Somerset centre of the NAWT began operating 21 years ago and finds new homes for almost 350 dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and field animals every year.

NAWT director of resources, Jacquie Gaywood, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We wouldn't be able to help so many animals without public support. This new shop will provide additional income and help us to continue our work."

The charity is also appealing for donations of clothes, books, toys, bric-a-brac and any other household items which can be delivered to the new Burnham store, which has replaced the former RSPCA shop.

Pictured: The Mayor and Mayoress performing the ribbon-cutting at the opening of the new shop on Saturday morning