AN ANIMAL charity shop in Cirencester celebrated its first anniversary of opening by holding a week of celebrations.

South Cotswolds RSPCA in Ashcroft Road was opened by Countess Bathurst last November and has raised thousands of pounds during its first year.

The festivities, which took place all last week, started with a free raffle for all customers and a special anniversary cake was cut to mark the day the shop opened.

Chairman of the South Cotswolds RSPCA Carolyn Blackburn said the Cirencester shop is one of five RSPCA charity shops in the area.

"We are enormously proud of the support we receive from our local community as without the help of local people who both donate and purchase we would not be able to continue to provide care and support to vulnerable animals within Gloucestershire," she said.

Manager of the Cirencester shop Sue Purry added: “People are so generous with their donations to the shop which helps us to make a real difference to animals lives.

"We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last year."