The shop, based at unit 10 Teviot Square, Cumbernauld Shopping Centre, will be open from 10 a.m.- 4.30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Irene McKie, director at Strathcarron Hospice, said: "We are delighted to be opening our first shop here in Cumbernauld and we are sure it will be a great success.

"People have been very generous over the last few weeks with donations for the shop. Not only will we be selling second-hand goods, but will also offer a wide selection of new goods including our 2008 Christmas cards. To volunteer at the shop or to donate please call at the shop.

"Strathcarron Hospice provides a specialist palliative care service to the people of Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth. Services at Strathcarron are free to all patients, but each year we have to raise a staggering £2.6 million – that's £50,000 each week – to maintain our special care."

Strathcarron Hospice is pleased to announce that they are bringing Tricia Stewart, one of the original Calendar Girls, to the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld, for a ladies' lunch.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 19, and the ticket price of £35 includes a champagne reception and three-course lunch with coffee.

Tricia Stewart is one of the most sought-after ladies' speakers in the country and she is extremely funny and entertaining. Tricia will entertain with her stories of her idea to launch the famous WRI calendar. Tickets are available from the hospice fundraising department on 01324 826222.