GOGGLEBOX stars Chris Steed and Stephen Webb proved to be the purr-fect celebrities to officially open a charity shop.

The cat-loving duo took time out of their schedule to cut the ribbon at Cats Protection’s first store in Brighton.

Chris, whose much-loved pet cat Ginge died in 2015, said: “I have a friend who volunteers for Cats Protection so I know how valuable it is that people donate items, money or even their time to help out Cats Protection shops like Brighton.

“It’ll make a big difference to unwanted cats.”

Stephen said: “I’m helping out with this in memory of Ginge.

“He was a lovely cat and I’m doing this for him and all the other cats out there that still need Cats Protection’s help.”

The store in Beaconsfield Road stocks good quality second-hand clothes, toys, books and household items and all proceeds will go to help care for unwanted and abandoned cats.

Shop manager Lana Beumer said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Chris and Stephen and all our new friends and supporters in Brighton who made our opening day such a success.

We’re really looking forward to meeting local people and anyone who would like to become a volunteer at the shop is more than welcome to pop in to find out more.”

Fans of the Brighton-based pair, who make regular appearances on the popular Channel 4 show, can enter a competition on the charity’s Facebook page to win one of two fleece jumpers signed by them on the shop’s opening day.

To be in with a chance of winning, visit facebook.com/catsprotection or email competitions@cats.org.uk with the answer to the following question.

“What dogs can often be seen on the sofa with Chris and Steve during their Gogglebox?”

Entries close today at noon and the two winners will be drawn from the pool of correct answers.

Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity and helps around 500 cats a day through a national network of 32 centres and more than 250 voluntary-run branches.

The new shop will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 5pm and on Sundays from 10am until 4pm.

Donations should be delivered during shop opening hours.