THE Sue Ryder charity shop in Fogamshire, Chippenham, is closing after 25 years of business because it is not making enough money.

Manager Elizabeth Roberts, who has been working there for more than five years, said she would be very sad to leave.

"I have been very happy here and it is sad that it is closing. I have made some good friends here," she said.

Sue Ryder Care raises money to look after people with disabilities and life shortening diseases.

The shop, which opened in 1978, will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday.

A spokesman for Sue Ryder Care, said it is regrettable that the shop had to close.

"With all our shops we have to make sure their potential is maximised. This unfortunately is not the case in Chippenham," she said.

But the charity is currently looking for new premises in a more central location in the town.

"We are looking for a better location and once we have found one, hopefully we can welcome back our volunteers. We really want to develop our retail in the area," said Ms Joslin.

She added that finding the right location was crucial to making the shop fulfil its potential.

"We have shops all over the country and we know what a difference location can make," she said.

Mrs Roberts said she would like to return to the shop if it reopened.

She said the four current volunteers were all retired, so they would probably be having a rest once the shop closed.

"The problem is the shop needs so much doing to it, so I think they are right to close it," said Mrs Roberts.

Ms Joslin said the staff and volunteers at the Chippenham branch had worked extremely hard.

"We have 430 shops across the country and we rely on the help and support of our volunteers. The group at Chippenham have been fantastic," she said. But she was unable to say when a new shop might be opened in the town.

"It might take some time to find the right location but everyone should just watch this space," she added.