A cats charity is inviting shoppers and volunteer helpers to support its Melksham shop which reopened this week in Bath Road.

Cats Action Trust North & West Wiltshire faces a shortfall of thousands of pounds after it had to repeatedly close its doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The shop is the charity’s main source of income and is offering a wide range of special offers and discounts to boost its fundraising efforts.

Profits support the rehoming of cats and kittens throughout the local area.

Trust chair Tracy Waldron said: “We’re a small charity, made up entirely of volunteers, so the series of lockdowns had a huge impact on our fundraising.

“The money from the shop helps to pay for veterinary treatment, food, litter and other bills for the cats and kittens under our care.

“Some have been abandoned, others come to us due to a change in the owner’s personal situation such as separation, relocation or unemployment, but we always try to find a new ‘forever home’ for as many animals as possible.

“Therefore, we’re keen to welcome back all of our regular customers, as well as plenty of new faces who perhaps haven’t visited us before."

“They’re bound to find a bargain – sometimes the donations even include designer labels!”

Bargains include a clearance sale of winter stock with many clothes available for just a pound, and shoes and handbags at half the marked price.

Offers also include ‘buy two, get one free’ on books, ‘buy one, get one free’ on DVDs, and boxsets at half the marked price.

Jewellery and toys are also available.

All donations are quarantined and cleaned prior to going on display, and volunteers are provided with masks, gloves and visors.

Customer numbers are being limited to help with social distancing, and hand sanitiser is available at the door.

Payment is taken from behind a protective screen at the till - but card payments are currently unavailable.

The shop is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-3.30pm, with additional trading hours dependent on volunteer availability.

The team are keen to receive spring and summer clothes, with guidance on donations available at www.catsactiontrust.org.uk/shop - please do not leave donations on the doorstep.

The charity is also keen to hear from potential volunteers who can help with sorting and pricing the stock, steaming clothes, arranging displays and serving customers. Email catsactiontrust@gmail.com to arrange a chat.