A SOAP star has launched a new animal-help shop in her hometown of Bury.

Gemma Atkinson, who plays Carly Hope in ITV1 show Emmerdale, took a trip to the Mill Gate shopping centre to officially open Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary's newest shop.

The 31-year-old joined Bury Mayor, Cllr Mike Connolly, for the occasion on Saturday.

All proceeds from items sold at the shop will go to the sanctuary, in Bury Old Road, Edenfield, which cares for and rehomes dogs, cats and small animals.

Staff and volunteers also help horses, donkeys, pigs and goats to live out their lives there and they rely on donations to keep open.

It is the sanctuary's second satellite shop, as there is already one in Bridge Street, Ramsbottom.

Gemma has two dogs Ollie and Norman and has donated some of her own clothes to the shop.

She is the vice president of the sanctuary and said: "I am from Bury so it's great to open a Bleakholt charity shop in my town. The money from these shops goes to help the animals at Bleakholt.

"The animals can't help themselves and we are sure that people will support the shop and the sanctuary."

Find out how you can volunteer at the shop by calling 07507774872 or emailing bury.shop@bleakholt.org