A charity which supports bereaved military families hopes it can find a new premises for its Carlisle shop.

Forces Support will close its shop in St Nicholas Gate Retail Park, London Road, Carlisle, tomorrow (THURS) after 18 months in business.

The landlord has asked the shop to close because new tenants, a furniture shop, are moving in.

But the shop's staff and volunteers are gutted the shop is closing and hope they can find a new premises quickly.

Lisa McAdam, manager of Forces Support Carlisle, said: "The volunteers are quite devastated because we are like a little family in here."

She said many customers are also devastated by the closure.

Forces Support Carlisle sells a huge variety of second hand and new items including furniture, beds, clothes and bric-a-brac at low prices.

The national charity supports families of fallen soldiers, does garden and household repairs for them and creates remembrance areas and play areas. It has about 30 shops around the country.

The nearest shops once Carlisle has closed will be in Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Glasgow.

Lisa said the Carlisle shop was well supported by locals and veterans and raised a lot of money for the charity.

Lindsay Collinson, assistant manager, said: "I'd say it's one of the better shops. The customers are really gutted that we're closing down and we can't find anywhere big enough at the moment.

"We have to have somewhere that's got heating and not in a flooded area. We're just hoping that we do get somewhere."

Lindsay said the current premises in St Nicholas Gate Retail Park is perfect because of its large size and the free parking.

Forces Support gets lots of donations and also collects and delivers for people. The beds are all new and sell really well according to the staff.

Most of the stock has already been sold off ahead of the closure but anything that is left behind will be sent to other shops.

"It's really, really reasonable and that's why people come back," said Lindsay.

Dave Thompson, a former soldier, said: "I'm an ex-soldier myself so a charity like this means something to me.

"But this is going to affect so many people, not just former soldiers themselves but their families and friends. Charities like this need support."

Many of the shop's supporters commented on Facebook that they were sad to see the shop close.

Diane Thompson posted: "Sorry to see you go. Good place to pop into when going to B&M's. Good for parking as well.

"Full credit to the dedicated staff who worked so hard in such a cold building. Good luck to you all."

Maureen Hopper said: "Shame, smashing shop, worthy cause."

Supporters also said they hoped the shop would reopen in a new location soon.

Taryn (CORR) Dixon also wrote: "I never realised it was there or would of been in much sooner. It's a very good cause. Hope you find somewhere else soon."