But a new charity shop has had to close its doors after the summer storms struck and left it flooded out, with thousands of pounds of damage.

Volunteers and staff arrived at the VIP charity shop in Longton to find the floor soaked with water.

The carpet was ruined and stock was damaged.

The shop in Franklands will now be closed for at least two weeks while it is dried out and repaired. And bosses are appealing for donations to help replace soaked and ruined stock.

Manager Rita Thornley said: "The shop is a bit of a state.

"We've lost a lot of donations because of the water damage."

The shop, which sells vintage and designer clothing, books and DVDs opened in March.

Since then it has been a hit with local people and raised thousands of pounds for Croston-based Villages in Partnership.

VIP works with community groups in Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire to help secure grant funding.

More than 20 villages benefit from the work VIP does, including Croston, Mawdesley, Eccleston and Longton.

It is believed dirty rain water seeped in on Sunday night from the car park at the back of the shops.

Heavy thunderstorms caused flash flooding around Preston, and Longton was one of the areas worst affected.

Rita added: "I'm so upset. I put my foot down on the carpet and it was squelching. Every room was soaked and in a right mess."

Insurance assessors will visit to estimate the damage. Industrial fans have been set up inside to dry out the sodden floors and walls.

But much of the stock, including unopened donations, will have to be thrown out.

The shop will re-open later this month, and Rita hopes people will continue to donate.

She said: "We are insured, but it's not like we can order any new stock.
"We just hope people donate when we re-open."

Anyone who can help with donations is asked to call 01772 603591 or 01772 614550.

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