CHARITY shops have an image of being cramped and filled with bric-a-brac no one really wants.

But that is certainly not the case at a new store set up particularly to capture Brighton and Hove’s quirky vibe.

The newly opened Martlets shop in Western Road, Brighton, sells a wide range of on-trend pieces which are a little bit different and sure to capture the eyes of fashionistas across the city.

The Martlets hospice wants the shop to become a style destination for shoppers looking for something special.

People can use it as a space to experiment and develop their look before posting it on social media using the hashtag #FoundInMartlets.

As well as clothes, the shop is packed with accessories such as shoes, bags and scarves. There will also be vinyl, secondhand books, homeware, CDs and eclectic pieces of furniture.

Hospice head of trading Ian Hart said: “We’re really proud of our new shop.

“It’s got a fantastic look, with a sense of playful laid-back cool that I’m sure will be popular here in Brighton.

“The income we receive from our shops is vital to Martlets in helping us to provide the very best care and support for our patients and their families.

“We’re currently looking for volunteers who have a passion for fashion and can help our customers in perfecting their ultimate outfit.

“Volunteering also looks great on your CV so, if you’re thinking about following a career in retail, fashion or styling, then this would be a fantastic opportunity for you to gain vital work experience.”

The hospice provides care and support to terminally ill patients and their families across Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas.

It is not part of the NHS and relies on the support of the community to keep its vital services going.

The Martlets hospice in Wayfield Avenue, Hove, opened in 1997.

It had 18 beds and a day hospice opened six months later.

In 2002 the hospice at home service was launched, providing care in people’s own homes rather than in the hospice itself.

The hospice also runs Martlets Care, a commercial company providing care in the home, which generates more income for it each year.

Since opening, The Martlets has benefited from three major grants, exceeding £1.2 million, from NHS England.

These funds have enabled the hospice to ensure it can adapt to meet the changing needs of patients and their families through the refurbishment and extension of its facilities.

More than 25,000 people have been cared for and supported by The Martlets since 1997.