A vintage £1,200 Louis Feraud dress for £200 is just one of the bargains being sold by a new charity shop in Chippenham, to which Lady Venetia Fuller has made donations from her wardrobe.

The pink silk number, in an ornate statue print, was included in three bin bags of designer items she handed to the Julian House shop when she opened it last Thursday.

Ralph Lauren tops and a Gucci bag were also given to the new Market Place store.

Lady Venetia, 43, and husband Sir James Fuller own Neston Park, near Corsham, the mansion used by the BBC for Lark Rise To Candleford.

A decade ago she climbed Mt Kilimanjaro for the charity, three months after giving birth to her second child.

Julian House runs an emergency hostel in Bath for single, homeless adults. It has also supported an outreach service in the Trowbridge area, linking homeless people with support services.

Funding manager Cecil Weir said: “Our charity shops make a valuable contribution towards the running of our frontline homeless services. Customers get great bargains, plus they’ll be helping one of the most marginalised groups in our society.”

Shop manager Linda Raud said: “It is lovely to be able to sell high-end donations.”

Assistant manager Guy Fendy said: “We’ve already sold a few of her dresses and coats. The Louis Feraud is selling for £1,200 online. It is an acquired taste, but it will look beautiful on the right person.”

Town crier Dennis Phillips was also at the opening.

To find out about donations of clothes, bric-a-brac, music and books, as well as to offer to volunteer, call (01249) 447547 or email to lindar@julianhouse.org.uk.