A POPULAR animal charity shop has announced it is to close.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Resuse and Recycle store in Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, will shut its doors in April.

The charity says it has ‘not been an easy decision’ but it has been forced to ensure the whole organisation is ‘financially sustainable’.

The Newton Abbot town centre store will remain open.

A spokesman said: ‘Like many charities, we must make sure every part of our organisation is financially sustainable and able to generate the vital unrestricted income that funds our core work — rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses and foals, educating the public, and delivering life-changing equine-assisted therapy programmes.

‘As a result, we’re no longer able to accept donations of pre-loved items at this shop with immediate effect.

‘We are now holding a closing-down sale to help find homes for as much of our remaining stock as possible.

'We know this news is deeply saddening for our dedicated staff and volunteers, who have worked so hard during a very challenging time for retail, and for the wonderful customers and supporters who have helped us by donating and shopping with us over the years.

‘We are incredibly grateful for your commitment and support.

‘Our charity, and our retail work, continues. We’ll now focus on strengthening our remaining shops in Brixham, Babbacombe, Bovey Tracey and Newton Abbot (High Street), and on building a more sustainable model that protects the future of our charity and the horses and people who depend on our work.

‘Thank you for being part of our community and for continuing to support us.’

Supporters and shoppers have expressed their disappointment.

One said: ‘Best charity shop in Newton Abbot such a shame. It was the cleanest, most reasonably priced items and also accessible to browse with a pram and the staff are so friendly.’

Another aded: ‘Very sad to hear this, a shop I visit often as the staff and volunteers are lovely and always such nice items in there.’