Thames Hospice is set to open its first ever superstore in Reading, with a celebrity guest to cut the ribbon.

Interior designer Julia Kendell will attend the opening ceremony at the store on Richfield Avenue, October 17 at 11 am. 

Ms Kendell is most known as a regular guest interior designer for the BBC's DIY SOS, as she has 30 years of renovation and refurbishment experience.

Ms Kendell also has made appearances on shows such as GMTV, This Morning, Live with Gabby, BBC Breakfast, and the Alan Titchmarsh Show.

Ms Kendell expressed her excitement for the store, as she said: "Thames Hospice does much needed work for the local community and is a wonderful charity. 

"I am delighted and honoured to be opening one for their new superstore as they look to expand their range of shops and raise vital funds."

Julie Rowley, director of retail at Thames Hospice added: "We are absolutely thrilled Julia has agreed to open our superstore for us, particularly as she has given her knowledge and passion for upcycling and renovation which is central to our superstore ethos.

"Our superstore will offer something for everyone and will be a key destination for the Reading community and beyond."

The hospice are still in the final stages of transforming the former Fun and Frolics building into the new superstore.

The hospice will also host a series of events, workshops and demonstrations, and the store will also have a cafe and free parking.

The hospice are also looking for 150 volunteers to help run the store.