Lisa Dolby, owner of Scarborough Link in Bar Street, says although her new business isn't a registered charity it can still make the donations.

She said: "A lot of national charity shops in high streets around the country have considerable overheads but we intend to keep ours to a minimum by working for a minimum wage and keeping our outgoings as low as possible.

"We are thinking about registering with the Charity Commission, but because we're not registered yet we can't describe ourselves as a charity shop."

Mrs Dolby and her husband Neville moved to Scarborough two years ago. Mr Dolby used to run his own removal business and Mrs Dolby ran a second-hand goods shop as a sideline.

"I suppose the idea for the shop in Bar Street was a combination of running my second-hand shop and my experience of working in other charity shops," she said. "We opened for business at the end of May and so far we've been able to present cheques for £200 to two local charities, the Scarborough branch of Epilepsy Action and St Mary's Social Action Centre, which helps the homeless and needy people of Scarborough.

"We sell everything a charity shop sells and rely on donations from the general public. We can also arrange for individual collections, but I would emphasise we're looking for good-quality items.

"Our motto is 'Scarborough Link – linking your money to local charities and good causes.'"

To make a donation call 355890.