The op shop continues to support the school chaplain, Merredin Fire Brigade, the Flying Doctor Service and Anglicare along with small needs in and around their local Anglican Church.

Volunteer Margaret Krone said the amount of donated clothing had risen significantly despite the fact that Good Samaritans continue to collect similar goods from time to time.

“Vincent de Paul collects up to 100 bales each year from our bin and if it was not for this reliable service, you would have to wonder where the unwanted goods would go,” she said.

The bins are opened every week and piles of unwanted clothing roll into the shop, ready to be sorted, hung, freshened and ironed prior to sell to the general public.

Ms Krone said the volunteers always intended to present the best, clean clothing to the public, despite the fact they were often short in numbers to attend to the uninspiring task.

“Staff continues to make sure clothing is changed about and renewed frequently wherever possible,” she said.

“Kitchenware and hardware is often in demand but we are keen to offer the best and most useful to our clients.

“Our hard-working electrician sees to the condition of all donated goods, checking and sorting where necessary.

“With donated books we usually make a quick inspection as to quality and condition before putting them out for sale.”

So with the forth-coming season, staff and volunteers at Petticoat Lane looked forward to everyone’s continuing support this year and wished to thank the toilers from the past year and kindly hands which came to their aid when needed.