Create new looks this Spring/Summer

Template for regional press release:

Create new looks this Spring / Summer

'Make & Mend' with Age UK's new Haberdashery range

The Age UK shop in [insert town here] is launching a new Haberdashery range of sewing accessories, including sewing threads, tape measures, needles and pins, so that shoppers can create fresh new looks for Spring / Summer 2011, without spending too much cash.

Passionate about recycling and the environment, Age UK is urging people across the country to re-use more and throw away less. The Charity is encouraging people to visit their local Age UK shop to find bargain pieces waiting to be loved again and customized by a new owner, or to search through their own wardrobes for clothes and accessories that can be revamped and renewed for this season's new look. There are plenty of ways to transform old items, such as changing the buttons on a cardigan, adding a ribbon trim to a cushion or just changing the hemline on a dress.

The Age UK shop in [insert name of town here] continues to stock a wide range of donated and new items, including clothes, accessories, books and home-ware, and it still relies heavily on local people donating their unused goods. The Age UK retail shops across the country generate much-needed funds to support Age UK's vital work for people in later life.

[Insert full name of shop manager here], Manager of the Age UK shop in [insert town here], said:

'We're confident that this new Haberdashery range will fly off the shelves, especially as it's being sold at really competitive prices. Customising clothes and other items in your home is a very easy way to breathe new life into pieces that can be loved all over again - like the great range of goods we sell in our shop.'

'We rely on the public donating their much-loved quality items to us and on volunteers giving their time to help run our shops. We hope local people will support us in any way they can. Come and take a look in the shop, you'll be surprised at what you can find.'

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Notes to editors:

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity). 

Media contact: Katie Rispin
Telephone: 020 8765 7452
Out-of-office-hours: 07071 243 243