LEARNING disability charity Mencap has opened its first UK store in Bury.

The new branch, located at Unit 2 Victoria Street, was officially opened by managers from the charity and people with learning difficulties.

The Bury store is the first of 130 others that are planned to open nationwide in the next three to five years.

Glenn Hall, head of retail and trading at Mencap, said he was delighted the firm chose Bury for the first store. He said: “We are extremely excited to open the first Mencap shop in Bury. The launch of the stores is a hugely important step for us as a charity and is something that we know will help Mencap to create employment opportunities, build relationships and bringing together communities.

“It is a really great opportunity to raise awareness of learning disabilities in local communities and I look forward to Mencap becoming a well-loved addition to Britain’s communities as we open more stores.”

The charity is asking people to donate any unwanted items and will accept donations of a wide variety of goods, including clothing, shoes, handbags, jewellery, electrical goods and any other bits and bobs like books, toys, CDs and DVDs.

For more information on Mencap and the store opening, visitmencap.org.uk