A NEWQUAY charity shop is calling on people to have a clear out to help its cause.

The Oxfam shop in East Street is appealing for donations as part of the charity’s Second Hand September campaign, which is now in its seventh year.

The initiative is calling on people across Cornwall to shop preloved throughout the month and donate any clothes they no longer need or wear while doing so.

Store manager Timothy Crowe is helping the East Street shop prepare for one of the busiest months of the year.

He said: “September is a busy time for us in the shop, but it’s also great to see so many coming in. We hear from many that hadn’t considered buying pre-loved clothes before, but who have heard about Second Hand September and decided to have a look and get involved. They are always surprised by the amount of clothes we have to offer in our branch.

This year, we are hoping that even more people in the area come in to have a browse and hopefully they’ll bring some of their own clothes to donate at the same time.”

This year’s Second Hand September launches with the news that by 2050, the fashion industry is on course to produce 138 billion items of unworn clothes every year - enough to almost reach from the Earth to Mars and back.

Oxfam’s second hand clothes advocate Jameela Jamil, said: “The amount of unworn clothes in the UK is shocking. “I have always been a fan of preloved clothing and own so much vintage. Items I have worn again and again over almost two decades. I’m so proud to partner with Oxfam, and to continue encouraging our love and appreciation for second hand. It is extra special that what they do not only helps save the planet but helps the people on it too.”

Rachel Cosgrove-Pearce, Oxfam’s head of retail operations, added: “We rely on good quality donations throughout the year, but during September we especially need a wide selection of clothes to keep the rails in Newquay full.

“Second Hand September is an opportunity for people in the area to think about how they shop and the impact this is having on the planet. Shopping and donating preloved clothes are such easy ways to be kind to the planet and everyone on it. I hope people across Cornwall check out their local Oxfam shop, especially if they’ve never been in before, and use September as a great excuse to have a wardrobe clear-out for charity.”