ISABEL Hospice, the WGC-based charity, is celebrating the opening of two new shops in Times Territory. The latest, at Hatfield's Galleria shopping complex, was launched officially last week, though it's been trading for the past few weeks.

ISABEL Hospice, the WGC-based charity, is celebrating the opening of two new shops in Times Territory.

The latest, at Hatfield's Galleria shopping complex, was launched officially last week, though it's been trading for the past few weeks.

Matt Seccombe, head of trading at the hospice, said: "While some shops are struggling in the current economic climate, our charity shops are busier than ever as local people are cashing in on the bargains to be found there because we represent such good value for money.

"For those discerning shoppers who want something a little individual, where better to find something that everyone else isn't wearing, than in one of our shops.

"The new shop in the Galleria will be our first Sunday opening outlet and will be open each day from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

"We are looking for volunteers to help us staff the shop and also for good quality donations of clothes, furniture, books and bric-a-brac to sell there. If you can help, please give us a ring as to staff a shop can take up to 40 volunteers a week.

"Working in a charity shop can be a real buzz and shopping guru Mary Portas recently highlighted the potential of charity shops in her TV programme Mary, Queen of Charity Shops."

Welwyn & Hatfield Times editor Terry Mitchinson, a long-standing supporter and patron of the hospice, performed the ribbon-cutting duties, ably assisted by Miss Charity, Tove Pearce."

The other shop was opened in Station Road Cuffley, by Welwyn Hatfield mayor Kim Langley.

Mr Seccombe said: "We are delighted to be opening a new shop in Cuffley. We care for many patients and their families in the area and already receive enormous support from the local community. We look forward to serving many of them in the new shop and would be happy to receive any donations that people may like to make to the shop to enable us to keep it well stocked with good quality goods."

Give Helena Hodges a call if you would like to volunteer and Janice French if you have any donations on 01707 382500.