A SECONDHAND store that has supported countless members of Oldham’s community and charities across the borough is to close its doors.

The Big White Charity Van, based on Pennant Street, Oldham, which has raised more than £100,000 for charities since opening, is set to close next month.

The closure was announced by The Big White Charity Van’s team on social media on Monday.

A post on the store’s Facebook page reads: “It’s with much sadness we share this news. We will be closing our doors on March 31."

The post adds: “It’s time to move on. We have enjoyed every minute and thank every customer who supported us.

“We raised over a phenomenal £110,000 for local charities with your help. Please continue to support us over the next two months.

“We have searched for a rental premises but just cannot afford to move, property prices are at a premium now. We may spring back up if by a miracle we find somewhere else.

“Let's hope it’s not goodbye but see you soon.”

The Big White Charity Van sells furniture and household goods on behalf of charities who do not have the space. The van collects items from the local area free of charge and charities receive 35 per cent of the money taken.

The store currently supports Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Help For Heroes, Mind, Parkinsons UK, Pennine Pen Animal Rescue and The Alzheimer's Society.

The news of The Big White Charity Van’s closure has been met by a wave of heartfelt messages from devastated customers on social media.

Joanne Hayes wrote: “The amount of people that have been helped over the last few years is amazing and I will be sorry to see you go” adding “you have saved so much stuff from going to landfill and raised so much for good causes”.

Maggie Holland added: “When I had nothing and had to start again you supported me in getting all I needed on a small budget.

“Hope you find somewhere else and want to take this opportunity in saying thank you for helping the people of Oldham and all the money you have raised. Let's hope you find premises in the near future for a much-needed charity.”

Echoing her comments, Terence Mcentee thanked the Charity Van for helping her when she could only afford things from the charity and Peter Kerwin said: “Definitely helped me out a lot when I was restarting my life again, thanks for everything”.

Alison Roberts added: “This is so sad you do such an amazing job for charities and helped people. You will be sorely missed.”