Axminster Care Service is celebrating 33 years of supporting worthy causes to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds by rebranding their main source of revenue, the charity shop in South Street.

 Formerly the Togs Charity Shop, the new-look premises were officially opened yesterday (Saturday) by the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, who cut the ribbon following special cry by town crier Nick Goodwin.

She said she was "delighted" to do so and wished the organisation every success in the future.

Supporters and volunteers were invited into the shop for a glass of Bucks Fizz and a buffet where Care Service chairman, Dr James Vann, thanked them for their support and expressed the view that ACS could look forward to an exciting future.

Axminster Care Service is a registered charity, operated by enthusiastic team of around 40 members, helping people registered in the area of Axminster Medical Practice, receive the care they need in a bid to make life just that little bit easier when things get tough, whether from age, disability, housing, or education difficulties. 

ACS sponsor a range of programmes at Axe Valley Community College, and Axminster Primary Academy, supporting the area's youngsters in becoming the great achievers they aspire to be, via the provision of special grants to enable them to take part in educational trips and the supply of school uniforms.

ACS also aids other groups, such as local churches, the Nourish food charity, Pippins Community Centre, Axminster Community Shed and many more, by providing funding for projects they are having trouble financing.

With a substantial contribution from ACS, the ARC (Bereavement Counselling) is now established at the Axminster Medical Practice - one of their most proud achievements.

ACS also provide a comprehensive transport service to help local people get to their hospital, surgery and chiropody appointments, carrying out around 2,000 journeys every year.

They also provide a befriending service for emotional support or helping to complete complicated forms.

Funds are also provided for local groups having difficulty in raising money for specific projects, including playgroups, churches and schools.

Volunteers provide the backbone to the services offered especially the manning of the charity shop in South Street, supervised by Mrs Alison Hayward, which raises in the region of £50,000 every year.