There was great excitement for many shoppers in Enniskillen last week when a new charity shop opened in the town centre.

The ribbon was cut on Friday morning before welcoming excited shoppers into the ForSight store – the second such shop in Northern Ireland, with another branch located in Omagh.

Chris White, ForSight Chief Executive Officer, said: “Growing our presence in Northern Ireland means we will raise much needed funds to support direct services for people who are blind or vision-impaired as well as funding clinical research into the causes of sight loss.

"Customers will not only be supporting an excellent cause, but also helping to save the planet. Similar to our store in Omagh, we look forward to our Enniskillen shop becoming a cornerstone of the local community.”

One of those who will benefit from funding for clinical research is Professor Julie Silvestri, Queens University, who conducts research into sight loss.

She said: "My involvement is as a researcher and a consultant ophthalmic surgeon. My main area of interest in research is for patients who have conditions that cause them to lose their vision to ... inherited degeneration, so these are conditions that are passed on through families and can affect really all ages, from children up, and age-related macular degeneration, which affects older people.

"Clinical trials [into such conditions] are now on the horizon so it's a perfect time, just to keep the momentum going, and the extra funding [from ForSight] is key."

Store manager Debbie Keys said: "We've spent the last two or three weeks doing a lot of work to get this place kitted out and get all our beautiful products in, so we're really happy with how it's looking, and it has received a lot of really positive feedback."

She continued: "I think we're catering for all demographics, but with the quality and style, there's such a variance – I think you have to come in and see for yourself. You're guaranteed to leave with something!"

Beverley Scallan, Head of Retail at ForSight, said: “The opening of ForSight in Enniskillen represents another significant step in our expansion in Northern Ireland.

"ForSight’s presence in as many communities as possible will be essential in contributing to our work to support people who are blind and vision-impaired.

“Our store in Enniskillen is packed with incredible stock, and our team is more than happy to help you find a hidden gem, whether that be the perfect dress or a new addition to your décor at home.

"As with our first store, and those to come, sustainability guides everything that we do and one of the best ways you can support the environment is to shop pre-loved [items] with us.”

The doors of ForSight in Enniskillen will be open to the public six days a week. Chris added: "Our innovative and modern design in our shops will continue to change the perception of how a charity shop is or should be.

"As always, all donations of quality clothing, accessories and homewares are welcome."