The Sue Ryder shop in Eye welcomed the mayor of Peterborough, councillor Marco Cereste to the launch of its new furniture upcycling and repair workshop

The shop, based on Crowland Road, has undergone a recent expansion.

Cllr Cereste met staff, who spoke about the shop’s new make-over.Cllr Cereste met staff, who spoke about the shop’s new make-over. (Image: Sue Ryder)

Cllr Cereste met staff, who spoke about the shop’s new make-over and the charity’s commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment.

The mayor also met with the workshop.s dedicated volunteers, who demonstrated modern paint techniques and finishes used to breathe new life into tired, out-dated items, as well as explain the benefits of volunteering.

Once equipped with the helpful hints and tips from the volunteers in attendance, the mayor had the opportunity to roll his sleeves up and try his hand at the furniture transformation process.

He said: “It has been a real privilege to meet staff and inspiring volunteers at the newly renovated Eye shop and learn more about how Sue Ryder cares for people and the planet through initiatives such as the upcycle and repair workshop.

“I’d also like to congratulate the team on the shop’s amazing new look and thank its volunteers, for the effort they put in and the difference they make.

"They really are a credit to the charity, who I know is immensely proud of them and thankful for their commitment.” 

Sue Ryder’s retail sales manager, Kerry Beard said, “I cannot express how grateful I am to the mayor for making the effort to visit our newly renovated shop and recognise the importance of our upcycling and repair workshop.

"This will help build environmental awareness and encourage locals to look at waste as an opportunity to be creative. 

“This investment highlights Sue Ryder’s commitment as an integral part of the local community and an established brand that has had enduring success in Peterborough. We look forward to welcoming even more customers to the shop going forward and hope that our success continues."