A NEW-STYLE Oxfam shop has opened in Mirfield.

The homeware shop at Huddersfield Road - described as a megastore - is only the fourth of its kind in the country and the biggest in the county.

Far from being a second- hand shop, the store sells end-of-range goods donated by big high street retailers such as Habitat and IKEA.

Ceramics, linen, beds, sofas, washing machines and fridge freezers are on sale, along with educational books, toys, children's clothes and gifts.

Peter Laird, the manager, said the store still needed quality secondhand goods and volunteers to help out.

But the shop is a far cry from the conventional image of a charity shop.

He said: "This is a different concept from the normal Oxfam shop.

"This is the first of its kind in Kirklees and is the biggest in West Yorkshire.

"People will certainly be able to pick up a bargain.

"Stores like Habitat and IKEA have generously donated goods to us, which will be an on-going thing."

A cafe will be open throughout the day and there will be a play area for children.

Fairtrade groceries will be on sale, which will be used in the coffee shop.

The store, based in a former furniture shop next door to Speights Lighting, was officially opened by local musician Adrian Ingram, who was the head of music at Leeds University for 15 years.

Mirfield mayor Clr Martyn Bolt also attended.

Two full-time staff are employed at the business, with 10 volunteers.

If valuable items are donated to the shop, they will go on sale and if unsold will be auctioned by computer on internet auction site eBay.

The shop will be open seven days a week from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 10.30pm to 4.30pm on a Sunday.

To volunteer time or goods ring 01924 489085.

* The Oxford Committee for Famine Relief was set up in 1942 to raise money for war refugees and displaced people across Europe.

* In 1964, the committee became formally known as Oxfam. It began marketing handicrafts and giving small-scale producers fair prices, training, advice, and funding.

* Oxfam established a Wastesaver Centre in Huddersfield in 1974, with pioneering facilities for recycling.

* Wastesaver processes about 80 tonnes of used clothing every week.

* Oxfam is an independent British organisation, registered as a charity.

* Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering.

* It believes the lives of all human beings are of equal value.