A charity shop in Sidcup has been celebrated for raising more than one million pounds for a Kent-based charity over the last 27 years.

The team at The Charity Shop on Hatherley Road received the Community Service Award from Sidcup Rotary Club on Wednesday, March 14.

The shop was opened in 1991 to raise money for the Canterbury Oast Trust which supports people with learning disabilities in education and work.

Thirty volunteers run the daily operation of the shop and all profits are donated to the charity. Over the years, its profits have helped to fund a variety of resources for people reliant on the Canterbury Oast Trust.

Angela Phipps, fundraiser at the charity, said one of the most touching stories she had heard was of a man who had received his first CD player from money raised by The Charity shop.

“It was the first CD player he had ever had. Music was a great way for him to communicate with people.”

As well as dozens of smaller gestures, The Charity Shop has funded a minibus for the organisation which regularly takes people to training and work projects.

“It is very busy and it’s an essential thing for us,” she added.

Recently, money raised has been put towards building a new learning academy to teach skills and independence.

The team was presented with the award by Rotary Club president Peter Wilkes and Bexley Mayor, Peter Reader.

Pam Dennis, volunteer at The Charity Shop for 18 years, said: “We are all chuffed to bits to receive this award.

“All of the volunteers work so hard and it’s wonderful to be recognised for our efforts.”