A CHARITY which has funded a network of defibrillators around Liss will close its only shop this weekend.

The doors of the Liss Heart Trust shop on Station Road will close for the final time this Saturday, December 23.

It’s not the only festive closure in the village as Gill and Bob Elmer will also wrap up business at their pop-up shop for the Rosemary Foundation on the same day.

The LHT shop has been the charity’s focal point for more than a decade with proceeds helping the good cause to fund and maintain a network of defibrillators around Liss.

Trustees have decided to close the shop because of circumstances beyond their control with the relationship between themselves and the owner remaining positive. They said the shop has served its purpose “magnificently” and wanted to thank everyone involved in its running.

They said: “We would like to thank all the volunteers, some of which have worked for us for years, for their very hard work keeping the shop running and raising huge amounts of money for this charity.”

The charity has enough funds to maintain its existing network and will continue to hold fundraising events.

The Elmers are also getting ready to “pack their bags” as their pop-up in the former Cobwebs shop has raised £2,000 in four weeks. The sum is even more incredible considering the pop-up opens three mornings a week for three hours at a time.

The pair wanted to thank shoppers and the owner for their support with the next pop-up set to appear in the village hall in the New Year.