THE Almost New Shop on Skipton's Coach Street has been forced out of business after 33 years because it cannot compete with the increasing number charity shops in the town.

The shop has raised money for local groups and charities such as the deaf and blind club, Manorlands and East Castle Street Youth Club.

Secretary Carol Rawson said: "No one wants this shop to close, none of the helpers. It has not only been a shop but a lifeline to a lot of people."

She added that the shop had no paid helpers and no expenses except the necessities like rent and insurance. The shop worked on a 50:50 basis so that 50 per cent of the profits from a sale went to the person who brought the item in and 50 per cent went to charity.

"We are sorry that so many charities who have benefited over the years will no longer do so," said Mrs Rawson.

Competition from an ever increasing number of charity shops in the town centre were blamed for the shop's closure.

"They have a perfect right to come in but it is a shame that we are having to go because of it," said Mrs Rawson.

She added that the larger charity shops were able to open almost normal business hours which the Almost New Shop could not match.

In addition Mrs Rawson said there had been a growth in the number of private nearly new shops."We are grateful to everybody that has supported us over the years," said chairman Sarah Hargreaves.