Despite the credit crunch, St Peter's Hospice shops are doing so well that the charity has opened a new branch in Winterbourne.

The new shop on Flaxpits Lane was opened on Monday by local The X Factor contestants Tita and Phoebe Lau, who were in the group Girlband.

Tita, 20, and Phoebe, 18, from Whitehall, said: "We are so pleased to have been asked to open the new St Peter's Hospice Shop in Winterbourne as we have family friends who work for the hospice and know what a great service they provide to local people who are terminally ill."

The new shop is the 44th in an ever-expanding chain and will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm for anyone wanting to pick up a bargain or clear out their cupboards.

Manager Caroline Lewton, 46, from Nichols Lane, Winterbourne, said: "St Peter's Hospice has been interested in opening a shop in Winterbourne for about 12 years and we are so excited to be opening our doors in such a great location.

"We are so grateful to Phoebe and Tita for coming along to our grand opening to add some glamour and the X factor.

"Many people in and around Winterbourne will know someone who has been affected by the hospice, a family member, friend or work colleague, so we are hoping that the local community will really get behind us and make the shop a big success.

"We are still looking for volunteers to work alongside myself and my assistant manager, Louise, so if anyone has a few hours to spare please get in touch."

Commercial director Andrew Hufford said: "Despite the credit crunch St Peter's Hospice has had a record year. As of March 31, I am pleased to say our shops have managed to contribute a fantastic £1.5 million towards patient care. People have turned to our shops during these tough times as we are on every high street in Bristol, have a large selection of stock and they know they can always pick up a bargain.

"We've been looking for a place to open a shop in Winterbourne for over 12 years and we'd like to thank everyone who has supported us so far. We can't wait to start raising valuable funds for the hospice in this community."

Anyone wishing to find out more about becoming a volunteer should visit the shop and speak to the manager.

Another of the charity's shops in North View in Westbury Park is celebrating its first anniversary.

In the year it has been open, the shop has raised more than £22,000 for the charity.

Manager Lynn Hooper said: "I can't believe we've only been open a year. We are steadily making ourselves known in the area and we have quite a few regular customers but need to spread the word that we are open for business as this shop looks more like a boutique than your average charity shop.

"Those people that come in are amazed at the shop and the quality of items on sale, so make sure if you're in the area to pop in as you're certain to pick up some real bargains ."

Janet Tarzey, 75, from Henleaze, who has been a volunteer in St Peter's Hospice shops since 2000, said: " I used to work with Lynn when she was manager in Cotham and Queens Road and have followed her to every shop. She can't get rid of me. I still do one morning a week in Cotham and one morning a week at North View.

"I love working in both shops. They are so different and I love meeting people, otherwise I could be sat at home on the sofa. St Peter's Hospice is such a wonderful organisation who helps so many local people free of charge that I like to do my bit. You never know when you might need their help yourself."