Homegrown BBC presenter Tony cuts ribbon on new Pendleside Hospice store for Burnley

Tony, who hosts Radio 5 Live’s weekday drive-home programme, said it was a privilege to open the store and that he hoped it would raise lots of much needed cash for the hospice.

He said: “Living in the Burnley and Pendle area I know the important role Pendleside plays in everyone’s life around here. Most people have had family members or friends cared for by the hospice but, unfortunately, it relies on donations to survive, so the opening of the new store can only be a massive benefit.”

The store is bigger than the previous premises in Trafalgar Street and retail manager Catherine Argyle said the new location in Church Street, across from the Shimla Spice Indian restaurant, was more visible to passing traffic.

Catherine added: “We are hoping the new store will raise much needed funds to support the work of the Hospice as it is much more easily accessible than our previous store.”

The new store will be managed by Dave Alexander and Ken Hilton, and supported by a team of volunteers.

Catherine said: “We are also appealing for goods to keep the store in stock. They can either be delivered to the store, or by arrangement, we can pick up larger items of furniture.

“We are always on the look-out for volunteers to support our 10 shops including the furniture store. Anyone interested in giving up a few hours of their time each week should contact me on 01282 451826.”

The store is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Pendleside also runs 10 charity shops across Burnley and Pendle.