A CHARITY shop which was forced to close after being hit by a lorry has re-opened.

Loyal customer Audrey Shelswell and volunteer helper Michael Roberts were invited to open the Kirkwood Hospice shop at Victoria Place, Holmfirth.

Mrs Shelswell, who has battled against leukaemia, visits the shop every Thursday from her home in Grenoside.

Mr Roberts, who is a resident at the Bridgewood Trust home in Denby Dale, is one of the shop's keenest volunteer helpers.

About a third of the shop was damaged last September when it was struck by a lorry loaded with chickens.

Extensive repairs were needed before the shop could start trading again.

Shop manager Liz Turner said: "I am delighted that the shop has re-opened.

"It plays an important part in the local community.

"We have many regular customers from the Holme Valley, a number of local people volunteer in the shop and many people make donations to the shop.

"It is great to see it in action again."

The shop has been redecorated and has a new feature, Kurios at Kirkwood, selling unusual items of bric-a-brac, small pieces of furniture and items of interest to collectors.

Other items on sale to raise cash for the hospice at Dalton include clothes, ornaments, videos and books.