REIGATE'S second ever charity shop has celebrated passing a takings landmark as it enters its 30th year.
On its first day, August 28 1984, the Cancer Research UK shop – then called the Imperial Cancer Research Fund – took an impressive £631.
Since then, sales have generated more than £3 million for the charity.
Eileen Busby, 86, found the High Street location for the shop 29 years ago after leafing through the Surrey Mirror every week to find a potential home, and has been volunteering there ever since.
"I just love it," she said. "My father died of cancer and I have since had cancer too, so there is every reason to carry on doing it as long as I can. It's pretty wonderful we have reached the £3 million mark in this day and age.
"I think we were the second charity shop to open in Reigate; we have got a great position in the High Street and I think it is a charity that affects everybody."
Mayor Dr Lynne Hack, who has worked for the charity herself, joined staff and some of the shop's 40 volunteers to celebrate, and hand out long-service awards.
Shop manager Angela Perkins, who has worked there for 20 years, said: "It all went very well.
"It is quite something for a shop to take more than £3 million."
She added: "I always need volunteers, it is a constant ongoing thing, and there are vacancies in all different areas of work."
To volunteer, call in at the shop.
