IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas – especially at Skanda Vale Hospice charity shop in Newcastle Emlyn.

It supports the work of Skanda Vale Hospice in nearby Saron and is manned entirely by volunteers.

But this is no ordinary charity shop: it’s an Aladdin’s cave of treasures, and many of the items on sale would not be out of place in a flashy London boutique.

“We’re really lucky in that the items donated to us tend to be of a very high quality,” said Sister Carol, the nun who manages the shop, as she prices up an immaculate Burberry scarf valued at more than £400 but on sale in the Hospice shop for less than £40.

“People who love their items bring them to us because they know we will look after them and treat them with the respect they deserve.”

That extra care makes the shop standout from the crowd.

“Our customers tell us that they love the shop,” said Sister Carol.

“We have people from all over the country who come in every time they come to west Wales on holiday.”

Debbie, a small business owner and former police officer, has volunteered at the shop for years after losing her sister to cancer and then facing her own scare.

“I started volunteering because I want to give something back,” she said.

“After my experiences with cancer I knew I had to do something and this is a great way of helping.”

Sally, by contrast, joined the Skanda Vale Hospice shop team earlier this year.

“My husband and I moved to west Wales about eight years ago and I was looking for something to do,” she said. “I wanted to do something useful with my free time.

“I’ve volunteered with a few different charities in the area and eventually joined the team at the Hospice shop. I love it here.”

If you are interested in volunteering at Skanda Vale Hospice charity shop – or at the Hospice itself – email volunteers@skandavalehospice.org

Skanda Vale Hospice provides care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, and their family and friends. All services offered are completely free.