A charity shop will permanently close to help continue its vital services after a strategic review.

Home-Start Watford & Three Rivers is holding a massive sale to get rid of its remaining stock as the charity shop on Lord Street, Watford, is set to close next Saturday (January 15).

The charity hopes to retain its “core service” by increasing its affordable counselling service and expanding support groups, the trustee board has said.

In a statement, Home-Start, which provides support to families who have at least one child under the age of five, says that the decision has “not been taken lightly”.

The statement reads: 'Home-Start Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere has seen a substantial increase in referrals to its services over the past year, with the pandemic significantly contributing further to difficulties already being faced by the most vulnerable in our community.”

Home-Start also praises volunteers, staff, customers and supporters for the work conducted over the years.

The statement concludes: “Our charity remains dedicated to helping families with young children in Watford, Three Rivers & Hertsmere.

“We hope that all of you will remain part of our Home-Start community as we look forward and build our plans for the future, and as we continue to grow and change to keep meeting the needs of our community.”

Currently, the shop has a clearance sale where everything is 50 per cent off both online and in the store until next Friday (January 14).

Items include shoes, jewellery, kids clothes, toys, CDs, DVDs and other half-priced items.