A Whitchurch charity shop volunteer who has grown her confidence working in the town after she had a brain injury was honoured today by opening a new retail store.

Diane Tew, 50, worked at Headway, in the High Street, but was on hand to open the new B&M store at 9am, which is opening on the site of the old Homebase store in Waymills Road.

Staff at the new store were asked to nominate a charity they deserved some 'VIP treatment' for the work they do for the community and they chose the team from Headway, the brain injury association

Headway staff then named Diane, who had a brain injury as a result of a loss of oxygen in 2015 and was left with psychological and cognitive problems, including memory loss, and requires support with everyday living, as their own VIP guest.

"Most people know very little about brain injury, but it's something that can happen to anyone at any time," said Diane, who says her confidence has grown since starting at Headway.

"I'm so pleased the staff at B&M want to help raise awareness of brain injury and support the invaluable work of Headway."

In addition to opening the new store, Headway will also receive £250 worth of B&M vouchers to go towards the charity.

Whitchurch B&M's new store manager, Chris Hynes, added: “Headway really stood out for us as they go the extra mile for local people living with long-term effects of brain injury.

“We wanted to give their volunteer, Diane, some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work she does. We hope that our donation can help her and the rest of the team continue the great work they do.

“Our new colleagues have been working really hard to get the store ready for opening day, we can’t wait to get the doors open Wednesday and show customers their brand new B&M.”

The former Homebase store has undergone an internal and external refurbishment programme and created 35 jobs in Whitchurch.

B&M is one of the UK’s fastest growing retailers with a wide variety of branded products.

Headway works with victims of brain injuries and helps them to cope, as well as providing support to their families and friends.