AN empty unit in Workington town centre is due to be filled.

Hospice at Home West Cumbria is relocating its donation centre to the former old Supernews unit on Pow Street next week.

People will be able to drop donations off at the specially designed facility where items will be sorted by volunteers and distributed for sale in all of the charity's shops.

Donation centre supervisor Michelle Scott said: “We are very excited to be opening our new donation centre here in Workington. We are overwhelmed by the support we have received from the public and are hoping that this new facility will help us to process more stock for our shops and generate some much needed additional income for Hospice at Home West Cumbria."

The charity needs to receive around 200 bags and boxes of donations each week to keep their shops stocked. Many of these donations arrive via its van collection service.

Volunteer Stan Peele has spent almost 8 years with the charity. He said: "It’s great being able to help Hospice at Home by volunteering on the van. We go all over West Cumbria each week collecting donations and bringing them back to the Donation Center for sorting. If people want to donate to Hospice but can’t get to the shops themselves, they can ring us to arrange a collection."

Volunteer van driver Paul Chapman said: "We always need more donations and are always really appreciative when people chose to donate to us to help raise money for end of life care in our area. Anyone wishing to arrange a van collection can call us on 01900 268229."

Retail manager Louise Cann wants to encourage people to pop in to find out more about Hospice at Home West Cumbria and how their donations can help to support the charity.

She said: "Donations kindly given to us by our wonderful supporters make a huge difference to Hospice at Home West Cumbria. Proceeds from the sale of these donations help to support palliative nursing, family and bereavement support and lymphoedema services throughout West Cumbria. We are so thankful to members of the public who support us through their donations and to those who shop with us."

Hospice at Home West Cumbria are also currently recruiting volunteers for the donation centre and encourage people to pop in or get in touch on 01900 873173 if they would like to discuss the role further and arrange an interview.

The donation centre is open to accept donations each week from Monday to Friday 10am-4pm.

For more information visit www.hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk