A NEW CHARITY shop is set to open in Stroud this weekend for an important cause. 

Safe Space - a group set up in the wake of attacks against women across the area - launched its pilot scheme the Night Angels on in December when nightclub Trio - the former Warehouse in London Road - opened to the public.

Since then the Night Angels have been patrolling the town centre, helping women get home safe and offering many types of help, on Fridays and Saturdays as well as during events such as Stroud Pride and Chalfest. 

Now the group - led by Chrissie Lowery - are going to expand into Gloucester, as well as turning Craftology, in Union Street, into a charity shop to raise money for the Night Angels. 

The shop will open this weekend, Saturday, September 7. 

Ms Lowery said: "The shop will be selling retro and vintage clothing along with some small handmade items.

"There will be some Angel merchandise, shoes and bags.

"We also have a print shop for personalised and customised items.

"We are opening The Night Angel charity shop to help fund our service.

"We have attended to over 160 incidents and continue to keep the town centre safe. Safe Space and the Night Angels are expanding the service into Gloucester City and Wiltshire.

"We will be opening a Safe Haven in Gloucester City and a charity shop in the city centre next month.

"We need volunteers for both Stroud and Gloucester to go on patrols (Friday and Saturday) and to run the charity shops.

"On Saturday, the mayor of Stroud will be officially opening the new shop.

"There will be 10 per cent off all purchases, free Angel keyrings and the opportunity to meet the Angel team during the morning.

"You can find us on Union Street just off the High Street at the old Swan pub building.

"We will also be handing out alarms, anti spiking products and safety advice."

It will be open from Tuesday to Friday from 10am until 5pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.