CHARITY shops are a brilliant way of picking up a bargain.

You never know what you’ll find: it could be a vintage dress or tailored suit, a favourite out-of-print book or a classic album that’s been inexplicably discarded.

And once you’ve parted with your cash, you can rest easy knowing your money is going directly towards a worthy cause.

Of course, as often as you may leave a store with the sale-of-the-century, you can just as easily find yourself walking away empty-handed.

But that may not be the case if you walk into the new YMCA boutique store on the first floor of The Howard Centre in WGC,

Opened by Welwyn Hatfield mayor Kim Langley, the store is dedicated to selling only high quality and nearly-new second hand goods.

“The store is a first in many ways,” said Ron Dunning, director of housing and community services at YMCA Central Herts.

“It is the first charity shop within The Howard Centre, and it aims to be the town’s first charity boutique store selling a range of vintage and retro clothing.”

The opening of the new store coincided with the launch of the YMCA’s Love Thy Neighbour campaign, which encourages people to do good deeds for one another throughout Lent.

You can do a good deed by donating your good-quality second hand clothes and items to the new store.

The money made from items sold will go towards helping YMCA Central Herts maintain the supported accommodation it provides for 120 people in WGC.

Profits will also support other community projects such as Space – a drop in centre for people of all ages to meet, talk or just get in off the streets.