Eager shoppers helped Thames Hospice's new Maidenhead store make a £9,000 profit during its first weekend.

The Royal Borough's mayor Cllr Sayonara Luxton cut the ribbon to open the new store in Reform Road on Friday as customers gathered outside.

The £9,000 made that first weekend could pay for two specialist mattresses for the hospice’s inpatient unit.

Julie Rowley, director of retail at Thames Hospice, said: “We were overwhelmed and delighted by the fantastic response from our loyal customers and new visitors. Our store was busy all afternoon and throughout the weekend. Our sincere thanks to our donors for the fantastic donations of furniture to our new store.

“This has been a major move for us from Windsor to Maidenhead and we are so amazed by the positive comments, feedback and support from our customers. We look forward to being part of the local community for many years to come.”

The new store includes a modern, contemporary showroom with a full range of furniture and homeware for the lounge, dining, kitchen, bedroom and childrens' rooms. There is also a brand new home studio where customers can purchase pieces of upcycled furniture, or commission their own pieces to be upcycled. Thames Hospice Home is now open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

The store will need volunteer support to ensure its long-term success, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/volunteer to find out how you could help.

Thames Hospice in Hatch Lane provides therapy, nursing and medical care, as well as practical and emotional support to people living with life-limiting illnesses.

It costs £8 million every year to keep it running and it relies on the community for over 50 per cent of the funds. To donate visit the website at www.thameshospice.org.uk