Volunteers left upset by the closure of an Alzheimer's Society charity shop have responded to the decision by creating a new charity and re-launching the store. 

The Marygate-based Alzheimer’s shop is due to be closed in December as part of a reported wider Alzheimer’s Society review of its network of shops. It will then be re-opened under the new title of Berwick and Districts Charity Shop.

Local charities and causes will be provided with funding from the shop, which is currently in the process of officially registering itself with the Charity Commission.

Existing volunteers will continue to run the shop under a new management committee.

The volunteers plan that Berwick and Districts will remain open six days a week - closing only on Sundays. A recent refurbishment means that little changes will be made to the interior of the building.

A spokeswoman for the volunteers told Civil Society: “We have had a very good response from people who are still coming into the shop and people from local business. They think it’s a great idea.”

She added that volunteers had taken the unusual move after being angered by Alzheimer’s Society’s decision to shut down the shop. “The volunteers who worked in the shop were upset that the decision had been made to close the store,” she said.

“The funds that we raise will be distributed to needy causes and any groups or registered charities that require some funds.”