AFTER a lick of paint and some elbow grease an empty town centre shop is now the new home of a charity.

The HoneyRose Foundation has come a long way since it started in the box bedroom of founder Lynn Duffy’s house near Sherdley Park ten years ago.

The charity, which aims to grant the wishes of people with life limiting and terminal illnesses, has raised around £1.25m and helped more than 4,000 family and friends during that time.

It has now relocated into the former Millets store on the corner of Ormskirk Street.

Lynn said: “This will be our offices, shop and a cafe. And on the top floor will be an event room which should save us a fortune.

“It’s exciting but it’s been hard work. We have had help from students at St Cuthbert’s and Rainford High but we always need more.

“We would like to thank everyone who has helped us so far to move in.”

Lynn said they will close their shops on Barrow Street and their current office on Hall Street.

The board room will be named in memory of Rita Thorpe who was the first person helped by the charity when they arranged for her to fly in a helicopter.

“And her first job was in this building when it was a gas show room,” said Lynn.

Contact the foundation on 01744 451919.