A NEW pound shop like no other has opened in Freeman Street, Grimsby.
Joint owners, brother and sister Jon Lusher and Deana Peters hope their £1 clothing store will make a big difference to people's lives – especially those who find themselves on the streets.
They are hoping to help them on the way to a new start with a fresh set of clothes for just a couple of pounds.
The store, located near the Riby Square junction, offers every piece of clothing for just £1.
Jon, 44, who is a former market stall holder says they are a charity shop with a difference.
"There is nothing else like us in town.
"We are a secondhand charity shop that will hopefully make a real difference.
"All the clothes we sell are just £1, whether they are ASDA brand or Versace.
"All the clothes are donated and we sell them at a price that everyone can afford.
"We have just sold a £400 prom dress we had donated for just £1. Nobody has to go without.
"The shop is open to anybody, but we are hoping to help the homeless and the most in need.
"We are already in talks with the Kent Street Homeless Team about a way we can supply people in absolute need with clean fresh clothing to help them get back into society.
"I have recently moved back from Stoke on Trent where I was basically living as a homeless person, so I know what it is like.
"The team at Kent Street were a big help to me when I moved back to Grimsby so this shop is just a way of giving back."
Deana, 50, added: "Having a clean set of clothes can make a big difference to people who have nothing.
"If they are dressed like down-and-outs they can be targeted with violence and robbery.
"New clothes can help them fit back into society.
"We are not here to make a profit. Everything we make will go back into the store.
"We have set this up out of our own money, this shop was derelict when we started and we are slowly growing.
"We want to say thank you to everyone who has helped by donating clothes.
"The support of the community has been fantastic."
If you are at risk of being homeless, contact the Home Options team on 01472 326401.
The Home Options Team gives free, confidential and impartial housing advice and assistance to residents who have housing needs.
They aim is to reduce and prevent homelessness in North East Lincolnshire while making sure that your home is suitable and that you are able to manage the tenancy.
You can drop unwanted items off at the shop.
THE GRIMSBY TELEGRAPH EDITOR'S VIEWPeople can become very resourceful and communities will often pull together when they are faced with very difficult circumstances. We read today how brother and sister, Jon Lusher and Deana Peters have joined forces to open their very own £1 shop. In creating the new-style charity shop they hope that people struggling for cash can pick up a bargain, and a good quality one at that. History does show that people will look to help each other, and themselves, when times are tough. And is this the way we are heading in some areas of society today. Cuts and changes to benefits are predicted to have a hard impact on some, who could – as a result – face a hole in their finances. As a result people will have no choice but to look at other ways of buying other such goods – and this is where the £1 shop comes in!Share ways of saving money – tell us by commenting on this story online. Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor