Volunteers are busy preparing what is set to be one of Kent's biggest charity shops.

The new and huge 2,000 sq ft store, at the Park Farm Retail Park, in Folkestone, will also be the county's first Salvation Army donation centre.

The charity has already started accepting contributions, with the team being "blown away" by the response from the public.

Now, a team of 15 volunteers are working hard to get the shop ready for its opening on Thursday, February 9.

Manager Ian Needle says: "I would say this is one of the biggest charity shops in all of Kent.

"We have been blown away by the interest in the new donation centre prior to the opening and we look forward to welcoming people of Folkestone and Hythe and carrying on the good work that The Salvation Army do."

The shop will stock clothes, shoes and toys, as well as small household items and furniture.

It will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and offer easy access and parking.

"Some of our items are brand new and everything we accept is in great condition.

"I honestly believe this is going to help a lot of people," says Mr Needle, 46.

"We are trying our hardest to bring the prices right down.

"The sheer number of donations we have coming in means that we can keep our prices low.

"A lot of Folkestone is struggling at the moment.

"We want this to be a place for people who are a bit short for cash at the end of the month to come and get some great deals."

The unit was previously occupied by neighbour Tool Station, which has since downsized.

The Salvation Army is a church and charity dedicated to caring for people who are vulnerable or in need in every community.

The Folkestone donation centre will be the 33rd of its kind in the UK.