It’s boom time for charity shops in Sussex as shoppers go in search of a bargain to ease their financial worries.

Stores across the county say they have never had it so good as people tighten the purse strings and shun major stores.

With thousands across Sussex struggling to pay soaring food and fuel bills, people are looking for ways to save money and shop cheaply.

And while high street traders have been left feeling the pinch because of the worsening economic downturn, charity shops say business is booming.

Terry Regan, a volunteer at the Sussex Beacon shop in St James’s Street, Brighton, said: “We have been very busy.

“It is down to the credit crunch. People are making their money go further – they have to.

“We keep our prices very low so we are always pretty busy and, of course, we have our regular customers.

“But I’ve definitely noticed that the shop has been busier recently. People are feeling the pinch and everyone knows there are bargains to be had in charity shops.

“Everyone is trying to make their money go that little bit further by finding bargains.”

It is a familiar story in other parts of Sussex as talk of recession sets the tills ringing.

Therese Wilson, head of retail at the St Peter and St James Hospice charity shop in High Street, Lewes, said: “We have noticed that our sales of clothing in particular, have increased.

“People are looking for good quality second-hand clothing and that is why they are turning to charity shops.

“I think everyone has had a bit of a fright.

“One of the concerns in the current climate is that donations of items will drop but, touch wood, we haven’t seen that happen yet.

“We are a local charity, which people identify with, and that helps us a great deal.”

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