ONE of the first charity shops to open in Bolton has closed after 43 years.

The Save the Children Fund branch in Deansgate shut its door for the last time yesterday because it has been unable to find enough volunteers to run the business.

Mildred Clayton, who has been manageress for 16 years, said: "It is a sad day. We have a lot of loyal customers and have made a lot of money for the charity.

"But we just couldn't carry on with so few volunteers."

The Save the Children Fund shop originally opened on the site now occupied by Marks and Spencers.

It was one of the first charity stores in Bolton, along with Oxfam, and it has occupied various sites in the town centre.

People shopping at the branch have helped to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.

Mrs Clayton said: "Last year we raised £38,000 for the Save The Children Fund. So we want to say a big thankyou to our customers.

"But this is the end. We won't be re-opening."

At the moment, the shop has about 12 volunteers who help run the store. Other charity shops around Bolton have also been experiencing problems trying to recruit volunteers.