MARY Stevens Hospice has celebrated the launch of its 18th charity shop.

The Stourbridge based charity, which cares for terminally ill patients at its Hagley Road residential centre, launched its latest outlet on July 31 in Dudley's former WH Smith building in the High Street.

Simon Henwood, the hospice's managing director for trading, said the launch was "exceptional" and he described the new store as the charity's "flagship super store retail outlet".

He added: "There was a lot of interest and we even sold out of most of the furniture that day, which was fantastic.

"We are so pleased and excited to bring this project to life after many months of discussion and negotiation. It really will be a fabulous resource for the Dudley and Black Country community that we serve."

Stevan Jackson, hospice chief executive, added: “It is great news that this store marks a return to Dudley for Mary Stevens Hospice.

“Establishing a presence in the very heart of our community is essential to the hospice’s mission to provide much needed support for those with life-shortening illness in the borough.

“I have every confidence that with the support of the people of Dudley we can increase our impact and meet the needs of those people who require hospice care in our community.”