ONE of the largest social service providers in the UK has a new base in the centre of Tewkesbury.

The Salvation Army, which is a Christian church and a registered charity, officially opened its shop in High Street yesterday.

Its seven volunteers are selling donated items, such as clothes, books and CDs, to raise funds for the organisation.

But guests at the event were told that the shop is also acting as a base from which the Salvation Army will help people in their hour of need.

Paul Stanford, its territorial envoy for Tewkesbury and Evesham, said staff had already been able to care for people who had sought help.


He said: "We sincerely believe we should be in the High Street because we have a part to play in the community."

Town mayor Geoff Pope declared the shop open while cutting the ceremonial ribbon.