A Cumbrian charity has launched a brand new online shop, just in time for Christmas.

Age UK West Cumbria has launched a new web store, vint-age.co.uk, boasting a wide selection of items donated by supporters.

Also on sale through the store will be a collection of "upcycled" products, as well as a range of environmentally friendly ethically-sourced gifts and severally specially created activity books and publications.

Deliveries will be available, as will a click and collect option, operating from The Bradbury Independent Living Centre in Workington.

A new Age UK West Cumbria charity shop is also set to open in Whitehaven next Wednesday once Covid-19 restrictions are relaxed.

Polly Harris, who handles marketing and online sales at Age UK West Cumbria said that even before Covid-19, the charity was looking at ways to improve its services.

"Adding a digital platform to our retail offering makes perfect sense – especially now when the future feels so uncertain," she said.

"Many of the people we work with are either unable to get out to the shops or they are reluctant to mix in busy town centres, so even when lockdown restrictions are lifted, they may find it hard to shop in the usual way."

She added that the online platform won't replace its charity shops.

"It will simply strengthen what we have on offer and make things easier for our customers.

"We’ll be selling lots of our more unusual items listed in categories, so people can easily find what they are looking for.

"It will also give shoppers more choice and enable them to access items from different store locations. Even those who don’t have access to transport will be able to browse stock from across the county. People can shop from the comfort of their own home, picking up a bargain and finding unique gifts at the right price.

"And all the profits will go back into local projects.”

Jane Mindar, Age UK West Cumbria’s executive officer added: “The closure of our shops has been a huge financial blow to us this year, as we normally rely on them to generate income.

"Moving things online is something that we have been looking at for a while, but the pandemic has been the push that we needed. Sourcing high quality pre-loved items is crucial when it comes to being able to stretch family budgets, and it’s also great for the environment – we love nothing better than finding a new home or purpose for something that has been donated.

"Even more importantly, the opportunity to shop online gives people the chance to retain their independence. Many of our service users have not been able to get out much this year and have had to rely on other people for basic services. Giving them the chance to do their own Christmas shopping gives them back some of that confidence and sense of pride."

The new www.vint-age.co.uk brand will be extended to several of the existing stores, and the retail team have been busy renovating existing shop premises during lockdown, replenishing stock and making improvements to the shopping experience, ready for when restrictions are lifted.

Age UK West Cumbria have also recently worked with Brighton based artist Jehane Boden Spiers, and local chef Peter Sidwell, to create a colouring book and a Christmas cookery book.

Both items can be purchased through www.vint-age.co.uk, or in the stores when they reopen.

The Age UK West Cumbria www.vint-age.co.uk online shop is now live.

Stores remain closed until lockdown restrictions are lifted.