Weston Hospicecare is opening its 11th shop in North Somerset and says business is brisk despite the recession.

The charity, which cares for terminally ill patients, has opened its latest store in Congresbury.

The opening comes as the Charity Commission claims this week that more than half of charities in the South West are feeling the effects of the recession.

But Weston Hospicecare says is still well supported in the area and says the shop will be able to help people who are cutting back on their budgets.

The charity opened its first shop 16 years ago and this year the shops are expected to take £1 million.

Karen Brain, 53, is the manager at the new shop in The Cross. She said people in the village were already helping to make it a success.

She said: "Our shops play a vital role in raising funds for Weston Hospicecare, which supports hundreds of families living in North Somerset and Somerset.

"We opened last Monday and people in Congresbury have made a wonderful contribution in terms of donations.

"I would like to thank everybody for the support we have had so far and I hope we can make a significant contribution to Weston Hospicecare."

Mrs Brain, who is married with two children, said she was inspired to get involved with Weston Hospicecare after her father was cared for by a hospice.

After working as assistant manager at Weston Hospicecare's Waterloo Street shop, she was offered the chance to become manager at the new shop and said she was looking forward to the challenge.

There is also a team of 12 volunteers who will help run the shop which will be open from 9am-4pm, Mondays to Saturdays.

The shop was officially opened by BBC Points West news reader Chris Vacher, who is the charity's patron.

It is the only charity shop in Congresbury and will sell books, CDs, films, children's toys and clothes, among other things.

Mrs Brain, from Yatton, said: "The hospice movement is something close to my heart and there are probably very few people who have not been involved with Weston Hospicecare in some way in North Somerset.

"One of the main reasons for our volunteers to get involved in the first place is because they have experienced the wonderful work they do."

Peter Boyer, retail controller for the charity, said Weston Hospicecare had been hoping to open a shop in Congresbury because of the vast support from villagers.

He said: "The shops have been going for approximately 16 years and the charity celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

"Our shops expect to take £1 million this year and takings are continuing to grow despite the economic climate or maybe it is because of it.

"This shop will be a very positive contribution to The Cross shopping area in Congresbury.

"This shop does not look like a typical charity shop.

"It has been fitted out with modern interiors and you would not know it is a charity shop but for the name above the door.

"We have tremendous support from this area as with the rest of North Somerset, and we have been looking forward to opening in Congresbury."

For more information about the hospice call 01934 423900 or visit www.westonhospicecare. org.uk