The shop, known locally as BBB, was one of 6,500 that were nominated across the UK and claimed the winning spot in the region in a public vote involving almost 13,000 people.

Wendy Nunn, shop manager of St Helena Books, Brew and Boutique, said:

“We are delighted and extremely proud to receive this exciting award and send a huge thank you to all who voted for us to be the of East of England’s favourite charity shop.

“BBB has a lovely community feel and we are one big happy family. Our volunteers are fantastic and truly do go above and beyond for St Helena Hospice.”

Books, Brew and Boutique is one of 24 St Helena shops across north east Essex. The BBB shop on Angora Business Park, Peartree Road, sells clothes, books and toys kindly donated by the community to raise funds to help people who face incurable illness and bereavement. The shop also houses a popular café serving hot drinks and cakes.

The St Helena shop is one of 12 finalists in the national awards, and the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop 2024 will be announced at a special event in November.

The awards are the first of their kind and were launched in June to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Charity Retail Association, the membership organisation for charity shops in the UK.

Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said:

“Huge congratulations to St Helena Books, Brew and Boutique. This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community.

“We have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to our search for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop, which celebrates the contribution the sector makes to communities and good causes across the UK.”

Visit www.sthelena.org.uk/shop for information about St Helena Hospice shops and online stores.