A CHILDREN’S charity is encouraging supporters to ‘drop and shop’ at a new venture which is changing the way in which donations are handled.

Barnardo’s is opening what is believed to be Swindon’s first ‘donation centre’, at Cavendish Square in Park South.

Located between the Co-op and the Post Office, the front of the building is a traditional store where people can browse for a bargain after delivering their items.

However, the floorspace is larger than normal and the ‘open plan’ means donors can also see the stockroom at the rear of the building.

This is where volunteers sort the goods into 17 large wooden bays prior to distribution to the charity’s network of smaller shops across the region.

The site was chosen because it has easy access and plenty of free parking which makes it even easier for people to bring their pre-loved items for resale.

The region’s first donation centre, in Gloucester, was so successful that it received 24,000 bags in the first 12 months after opening.

The centre in Swindon opens tomorrow at 11am and will be open Monday-Saturday from 9am-6pm, and eventually on Sundays from 10am-4pm. It will welcome donations of good quality items including clothing, books, toys, games, DVDs, CDs, homeware and accessories.

Visit www.barnardos.org.uk for more information.