The Mare and Foal Sanctuary is celebrating the grand opening of its new Reuse and Recycle Store in Newton Abbot.

The store will help deal with the tons of pre-loved goods donated by generous members of the public every year.

Shoppers and supporters are invited along to see for themselves the giant 7,995 sq.ft space when the charity’s chief executive Sarah Jane Williamson will be officially cutting the ribbon. The charity has received a staggering 95, 319 separate items over the last six months. The new store will revolutionise the way the charity sorts and distributes these donations.

Based in the Brunel Court trading estate, the store will be open seven days a week and the Sanctuary is planning to take on a further five full time staff, including new delivery drivers. It will also allow the charity to take in larger pre-loved goods including second-hand furniture.

At least 30 more volunteers will be needed to sort through everything from donated clothes to jigsaw puzzles, books to jewellery – and now bigger items, including sofas, beds and tables. There will also be the opportunity to donate and buy second-hand tack, including brow bands, saddles and bits.

At the Grand Opening on Thursday renowned local crafter Jackie Vans Colina will be holding a patchwork quilt workshop, illustrating how to make the best out of pre-loved material.

Retail operations manager Dawn Green said: “This is a huge step for the Mare and Foal Sanctuary. So many items are donated to us every day and sorting through everything can take up a lot of time and often requires space.

“Before today we stored a lot of the stock in an old barn at one of our stables. It wasn’t ideal and because it was in a rural location it was quite difficult to get to – which made taking in larger items like furniture almost impossible.

“Our new Reuse and Recycle Store, right next to the centre of town, is going to make things so much easier for everyone.

“Members of the public will be able to donate items, including furniture, right on site. And with so much space we will be able to sort through the donated stock much more quickly, making sure our six shops always have great pre-loved goods on offer.

“We love and value horses and ponies. The ability to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses and ponies – and to educate people about how to care for them – is dependent on one thing – our donors. Our charity shops are an amazing way for us to raise money so please pop along on Thursday to support us.”

The Grand Opening will be taking place on Thursday, 11 July at 1pm at Unit 2, Brunel Court, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4PB