HILDA Northwood has been a keen customer of the Help the Aged charity shop in Wisbech since the day it opened, always hunting for a bargain. She is the shop s longest serving customer, having visited almost every day since it was opened for the first time

HILDA Northwood has been a keen customer of the Help the Aged charity shop in Wisbech since the day it opened, always hunting for a bargain.

She is the shop's longest serving customer, having visited almost every day since it was opened for the first time in 1997.

And she was given the honour of reopening the store on Monday, which has been given a facelift, by cutting a ribbon and welcoming customers back through the doors.

Mrs Northwood, of Magazine Close, Wisbech, who turns 87 on Monday, said: "I am very pleased and proud that the staff at the shop asked me to cut the ribbon."

Store manager Jane Brown said: "We are delighted that Hilda performed the opening ceremony, she really is a great customer and through her donations and purchases she has been a great help to our fundraising efforts."

The shop, in the Market Place, was closed for four weeks while maintenance work and refurbishment was carried out. Work has included a fresh coat of paint on the walls, a new floor and an improved workroom for the shop staff and volunteers.

Mrs Brown said: "The shop is so much brighter now and will provide a much better environment for both the shop team and our lovely customers."

The Wisbech team's fundraising activities contribute to part of the charity's fight to free disadvantaged older people in the UK and overseas from poverty, isolation, discrimination and neglect.

Funds are raised by selling donated clothing, books, bric-a-brac, household textiles and CDs.

The shop also provides free information and advice leaflets on issues affecting older people, their families, carers and friends.