MERCY in Action opened its doors to a new charity shop in Trowbridge this week.

The new addition to Manvers Street will be the charity’s 15th shop in the area with one already open in Bradford on Avon.

Boasting a collection of high-quality items, including bridal and prom dresses, co-founder of the charity Allison Todd said the new venture was a great opportunity to branch out in Wiltshire.

“It is really exciting because we have wanted to come out to Trowbridge for a long time now,” she added.

“I would say that this is probably our first town centre shop and we normally go to the suburb of a town so it is a change.

“Hopefully people come in and find out what we are about as a charity and that is something we are keen for people to do in asking questions about where the money is going because there is a lot of good work going on.”

Mercy in Action work with some of the poorest communities in the Philippines by helping vulnerable children from the dangers of the streets including trafficking by offering them food, nurture and an education.

Their work now offer projects for the whole community including house building, small business enterprises, and schooling and feeding programmes.

Mrs Todd added: “Trafficking is a huge issue and is high on a lot of agendas and so it is great to be answer for that with our work. We can’t stop the cause but we can help pick up the pieces and help children recover from the trauma.

“We are aware that as a charity whose work is overseas, we aren’t as attractive as many local charities for people to donate to but we try to ensure that what we are selling is at fair prices so people can still get a bargain.”