Bolton store is counting on your vote to be named best in UK

Bolton Hospice on Hillview Road, Astley Bridge, has moved to the second round of the The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award and is counting on your vote.

The hospice now is among six nominations from the North West region.

This public voting competition ends on September 23 at midnight and the regional winners will be revealed in the following weeks.

(Image: Newsquest)

Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “We have had a fantastic reception to The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award so far and it has been brilliant to see so many people getting involved to share what makes their favourite charity shop so special.

“Through people sharing in their own words what charity shops mean to them, we have seen some recurring themes that have come up again and again and highlight why charity shops remain so popular in a rapidly changing retail landscape.

“It’s about the friendliness of staff and volunteers; the warm welcome people get when they walk through the door; the sense of community and inclusivity charity shops provide; the massive contribution to sustainable shopping; and the dedication and pride in presentation and variety.

(Image: Newsquest)

“These unique qualities are what make charity shops stand out to customers and donors.”

The competition saw nearly 6,500 nominations for charity shops from all over the country when it launched in the summer as part of the Charity Retail Association’s 25th-anniversary celebrations.

Mr Osterley added: “People can read on our website some of the stories that were submitted as part of the nomination process and find out more about the charity shops before they vote.

“I’d like to congratulate all the charity shops who have been nominated for the award and wish all the shortlisted shops good luck.”

Visit www.charityretail.org.uk/the-uks-favourite-charity-shop-award to find out more and to vote.