A CHARITY will open a shop in Clacton after being given a £23,000 grant.

Volunteer scheme Helping Hands helps elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents live independently in their own homes.

It was given the grant through Tendring Council’s Big Society fund last year.

Helping Hands is now set to open its own shop on High Street, Clacton, on Saturday.

Albert Reid, chairman of Helping Hands, said that the financial backing from the Big Society Fund has allowed the scheme to continue to operate and open the shop.

“We have taken a hard look at how we can sustain funding our service in the present economic climate,” he said.

“As a result, we have restructured our operation to enable us to meet future challenges.

“The new premises will also host our administration offices for Helping Hands and our volunteer recruitment service all under one roof and, in time, will generate a regular income through the shop.”

Tendring Council finance boss Peter Halliday said he was pleased to be able to help a scheme which helps vulnerable residents in the district.

Details on the Big Society fund scheme, which was set up a year ago to help fund voluntary groups, are available at tendringdc.gov.uk.