THE RSPCA charity shop in St James’ Street, Newport, closed on Saturday ahead of a new store opening next month.

To mark the end of ten years at its current location, the shop went out in style by creating a Halloween feel and invited customers old and new to visit the store during its final days.

Earlier this year, the RSPCA Isle of Wight branch was served notice by the landlord to move out my end the of December.

The notice prompted an urgent search for new premises which resulted in a new store being found, at 6-8 Carisbrooke Road.

Work is already underway to ensure that the premises open in November, with the store in St James’ Street permanently closed after trading on Saturday, allowing for all focus to be applied to the move.

The Isle of Wight RSPCA branch receives no direct funding from the national organisation and relies heavily on income from its network of charity shops to fund its work at the IW Rescue Centre at Godshill.

Suzanne Pugh, branch manager, said: “It was a bit of a surprise when we received notice on the St James Street shop, but we have a positive outlook, and we see this as a really exciting opportunity to move to new premises.

“Although we will be closed for four to six weeks, we aim to re-launch in mid-November to meet the demands of the seasonal shopping period which is so important to us.

“We thank everyone for supporting the shop over the last decade and hope to see everyone back shopping for the animals at our new location.”

The new store has a prominent position on the street and has plenty of parking, from quick drop-off spaces to a paid public car park at the rear.

It is also well served by the local bus service.

Newport shop manager Emma Fautley said: “We really couldn’t operate without all our regular customers who donate and shop for the animals.

“After five years managing the store, I am still amazed at the generosity of our donors and how they have enabled me to fill the Newport store with a wide range of quality items.

“All the wonderful volunteers who have worked here have really enjoyed seeing all our friends on a regular basis, and we look forward to seeing them all again at the new store.”

All funds generated by RSPCA Isle of Wight help domestic and wild animals in need on the Island.

To find out more about RSPCA Isle of Wight – including volunteering opportunities and ways to donate to the charity – visit the charities' website here.