STOCKTON Heath’s Age UK shop has closed permanently following the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity has confirmed it will not open following lockdown lifting.

Charity shops as a sector have been hard hit by the pandemic with very few yet to open across town.

Mind on the other side of London Road has reopened in the village.

An Age UK spokesperson said: “Age UK is pleased to have reopened 240 of its charity shops across the country so far since their temporary closure due to coronavirus.

“At Age UK we were forced to close all of our shops overnight when the lockdown came into force in March, which has created enormous financial challenges for the Charity.

"Unfortunately as a result we have taken the difficult decision to close a number of our shops on a permanent basis, including the shop in Stockton Heath.

“We have taken this action with a heavy heart and we are extremely grateful to our staff and volunteers at the Stockton Heath shop for everything they have done to help Age UK and older people.

“Information about which of our shops have reopened is available on our website via ageuk.org.uk”