Bringing a bit of star quality to a new charity shop, television star and fashion guru Mary Portas has opened the latest of her living and giving shops in Barnes.

Portas, a champion of the British high street, paired up with charity Save the Children to help give select branches of their charity shops a stylish boutique-type makeover, including the store in Church Road.

She said: “I turn up to one of my shops and am gobsmacked by how beautiful they are, this [shop in Barnes] is one of the nicest in the high street.

“There has been a lot of love put into this shop and I think you can see that.”

Portas, who launched her own line of British-made kinky knickers as part of her commitment to encouraging the UK clothing industry, said the living and giving shop was about giving back to those who do not have as much.

She said: “When I came up with the idea of the living and giving shop it was based around the old charity idea but also about having a real connection to the community, what local people believe in, and aspirations they have for their high street.

“[It is about] creating places where people want to be... about creating commercial businesses that are good for everyone and that is what is at the heart of this shop - at the heart of it is someone saying ‘we care’ and I can feel that here.”

The new shop, in the heart of Barnes Village, officially opened on Thursday, April 12, with a range of stock donated from residents and big businesses alike.

Paul Hunwick, brand manager for Save the Children, said he was delighted at the response they had seen to their latest Mary’s living and giving shop.

He added: “We are thrilled to be part of such a dynamic and warm community [and] we encourage everyone in Barnes and the surrounding areas - including the local businesses - to get involved as much as they can, either by volunteering in the shop or looking through their wardrobes and stockrooms and bringing along a donation.”

For details about the new shop or to volunteer call 020 8741 9041.