The YMCA's store in South Shields is now offering a new dry-cleaning service for customers, tackling everything from suits and dresses to curtains and wedding dresses.

Clothes are collected twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and cleaned by a company called Cleaners For Causes.

Sue Glossop-Freebody, 42, manager of the Ocean Road store, said: "We offer a dry-cleaning service for our customers and we get a percentage for our charity."

With prices starting from £9.95 for a suit and £7.95 for a coat, the 42-year-old thinks the service will be a winner during the credit crunch.

"The prices are really good, the service is really good, and all our customers so far have been really pleased," she said.

"We've had lots of interest from people already and it seems to be really picking up."

The South Shields branch is only the third YMCA shop in the north of England to do dry-cleaning, the others being at Newton Aycliffe in County Durham and Richmond in North Yorkshire.

"Some other charities have tried dry cleaning. The YMCA is trying new things to stay up to date with what people want," said Ms Glossop-Freebody.

"You come down here to do your shopping and you can drop it in, and then collect it any time you want.

"You get a good deal, but the main thing is you will be donating to charity, and that has got to be good."

For more information, call in at the Ocean Road shop.