The Bargain Box thrift shop in Pembroke has reopened.

The Committee of 25 — which closed the store last year after losing its charitable status — said it had started operating again on Midsea Lane in Pembroke at the start of last month.

Annette Holloway, chairman of the organisation, said yesterday: “We are pleased to be able to confirm that the Bargain Box has reopened.

“We look forward to welcoming shoppers looking for a good deal and at the same time support our mission of helping our island’s children.

“We thank the members and volunteers for their hard work and support.”

The group said it did not rely on grants but cash donations were “gratefully welcome and go a long way towards meeting the financial needs of our clients”.

Bargain Box, stocked by public donations, gives its sale proceeds to the Committee of 25’s charity work, which includes financial support for families of children with special needs.

The Acting Registrar-General in 2013 declared the Committee of 25 had failed to provide audited financial statements as proof that it was a legitimate charity.

In February last year Magistrate Archibald Warner ruled Committee of 25 had contravened the Charities Act by continuing to solicit donations.

Mr Warner gave the organisation a two-year conditional discharge and the committee halted its work while it applied for charitable status.

But the Committee of 25 was cleared of all charges on appeal to Supreme Court in May last year.

Treasurer Kent Bascome said last year that audited financial statements had been obtained up to 2013 and were being brought up to date. The store is open every Saturday from 10am until 2pm. Donated items can be deposited at the drop-off point behind the store during opening hours.

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