The Mayor of Watford performed the ribbon cutting duties to launch a new shop set up to support a Watford animal charity.

Mayor Dorothy Thornhill opened the National Animal Welfare Trust’s new shop in New Road, Watford, on Saturday morning.

The money raised at the shop will be used to support the animal rescue centre in Bushey, which cares for, and attempts to rehome more than 500 animals every year.

Mrs Thornhill said: “It’s great to see the animal rescue centre with a presence in the town centre. Their rescue centre is popular and well respected.”

Store staff are appealing for donations of any unwanted furniture, clothing, books, toys and electrical goods. The shop took nearly £1200 on its first day of trade.

Jackie De Friez, centre manager, said: “The shop looked superb and we had a very enthusiastic crowd of shoppers and even had to do some crowd control at the start as there were lots of people queuing.

“We are all so proud of what has been achieved and we would like to thank everyone that helped as most were volunteers giving their time for free.”

The shop is open 10am until 4pm Monday to Saturday.