STAFF at a charity shop in Whittlesey have invited residents to join them celebrate the store’s 25th birthday.

The RSPCA shop, on Blunts Lane, has been expanding since it was opened in 1986 when Beryl Lovell got together with a few friends. She handed it over to the RSPCA Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Branch in six years ago.

The store is now run by a few staff members and a team of volunteers who will celebrate the birthday on Tuesday between 10am and midday.

Paul Markley, store manager, said: “Beryl and her team did an amazing job setting up the charity shop 25 years ago. Through their amazing efforts they raised thousands of pounds, money which has helped neglected, abandoned and injured animals in Fenland.

“We are eternally grateful to everyone who has worked at the shop over the years and to the local community for shopping there and donating so many amazing items.

“We hope that everyone who has been involved in the shop over the quarter of a century will pop in for a drink and help us celebrate this important milestone.”