A second fundraising shop has been opened in Eden by an animal rescue.

Eden Animal Rescue's new store is situated in the heart of Kirkby Stephen.

Taking over the former premises of Eden Outdoor at 43 Market Street, the space is now overseen by Eden Animal Rescue volunteers.

<hr>

Read more: Red squirrels made welcome at Appleby Railway Station

<hr>

The store opened its doors at midday on Saturday (December 9), with a crowd of enthusiastic shoppers assembling outside.

Shop manager Gill Jacobs and her husband Roger Jacobs have shown considerable dedication in getting the store ready for the festive shopping season.

The funds from the shop will keep the animal charity's Moorlands Head Farm at Newbiggin near Penrith running.

It will also aid in the building of a new kennel block.

The charity is eyeing a target of £500,000 to construct new kennels, that will accommodate 20 dogs from their arrival at the centre to their successful rehoming.

This year alone, the rescue has successfully situated 52 dogs in new homes.

Its chair, Chris Cheetham, said: "We are grateful to our new landlord and former owner of Eden Outdoors, Mr Mark Peatfield for all his help in making sure we could open on time.

"We are also very grateful to Mrs Gill and Mr Roger Jacobs and Mrs Allyson Jenyon, who have worked really hard to prepare the shop for trading.

"We look forward to lots of the people who have been supportive during the refurbishment being able to come in and shop."

Mrs Jacobs said: "We were delighted with how many people came to shop on our first day and hope the popularity continues.

"The shop is very central in the town and there is plenty of parking close by for people to both bring donations and come in to browse around.

"Initially, we will be open part-time so if people would like to volunteer in the shop please pop in, I will be happy to meet potential volunteers and receive donations for sale in the shop."

Volunteers can email ksshop@edenanimalrescue.org.uk, while more information about Eden Animal Rescue and its ongoing projects is available at: www.edenanimalrescue.org.uk.