FERNE Animal Sanctuary, the Somerset-based animal rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming sanctuary, celebrates its new Dorchester store opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 5.

The new store, located on Cornhill, is the charity’s first shop to open in Dorset and the eighth store in the charity's Southwest retail chain.

The new store takes Ferne Animal Sanctuary a step closer to its ambitious growth plans to increase its retail arm to 20 stores by 2027.

The grand opening will have Kevan Hodges, chief executive officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, and new MP for Dorset, Edward Morello, in attendance to celebrate the store opening by cutting a ceremonial ribbon to welcome the new shop to Dorchester’s town centre.

Kevan says, "I'm pleased to announce the opening of our latest charity shop, it is a significant milestone for our retail arm.

"Each new store brings approximately £100,000 in revenue per annum to our organisation, playing a crucial role in funding our essential services at the sanctuary."

“Maintaining our plan to achieve 20 retail shops in the next three years is integral to our mission, as each new shop supports our efforts to create a sustainable income for the organisation.

"Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters for making this achievement possible."

Debbie Edmunds, store manager for the new Dorchester shop, added: "We're delighted to unveil the new Dorchester store, we have been planning the opening since the Spring.

“It is a fantastic location and we look forward to welcoming shoppers from Dorchester and beyond.

“Our shop has a diverse selection of items, from clothing and accessories to household goods and books on sale.

“We are confident that our new customers will love the variety. Most importantly, every purchase and donation will directly contribute to supporting animals in need."

All profits from the Dorchester charity shop will directly contribute to Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s efforts in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a non-government funded charity that has provided refuge and rehabilitation to its animals for more than 80 years.

Located in a National Landscapes area, nestled in the Blackdown Hills near Chard, Somerset, Ferne Animal Sanctuary houses and cares for more than 300 animals on its 72-acre site.

For more information about Ferne Animal Sanctuary, please visit www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org.