Dougie Mac has opened its largest store yet in Stoke-on-Trent.

The new Dougie Mac superstore has opened at the old Carpetright unit on Etruria Road where dozens were queuing for the opening at 9:30am on Friday 19 September.

The charity put out a call in August asking for donations ready for the opening and among the most interesting items was a Wedgwood lamp estimated to be worth around £600.

Liz Clarke, head of retail at Dougie Mac, said: "This is now our largest store and it's absolutely fantastic to see people in their droves coming in. We can hear the rails rattling, the china clinking and hopefully people are getting the bargains they want.

"As we know it is here for one reason and that's to provide much-needed care at Dougie Mac.

"I've worked in the hospice for 21 years so during that time I have seen a lot of changes around the funding we receive. Around 75% of our income comes from what we receive from local people and a massive chunk of that is from our shops.

Some businesses have donated excess stock to the superstore. (Nub News)

"So places like this are integral for keeping us going every year and at the same time everyone gets affordable shopping which is also sustainable."

The Dougie Mac Hospice provides services to adults, young adults and children living with a life-limiting illness in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding villages; also offering supportive care for their families and carers.

The first home opened in 1973, caring for 315 patients, before becoming the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in 1993.

A lot of the fixtures and fittings inside the store have been provided for free by local businesses, along with the groundwork around the unit. Excess stock has also been donated from Stoke-on-Trent pottery firms and other businesses ready for the opening of the store.

There are a range of items at the Dougie Mac superstore in Hanley. (Nub News)

Inside there is a dedicated furniture section, a pottery area with some new products, children's clothing and toys, adult clothing and lots of other products which have been donated by people in the local area.

The first Douglas Macmillan Hospice charity shop opened in Hanley over 30 years ago and the charity said it felt right to come back to the town.

Speaking of the large queues outside the store, Dougie Mac CEO, David Webster, said: "I think it says a lot about Dougie Mac and how people connect with what we're doing.

"There are loads of families which have that connectivity with the hospice and it stays it's not fickle.

"We think Meir and Burslem were good models to try and emulate for this superstore but that doesn't rule out the community shops in places like Barlaston and Silverdale, because those have got connectivity with their local community."

The Dougie Mac superstore in Hanley will be open Monday to Saturday, 9:00am-5.00pm.

Top image via OnlyDrones.