A NEWLY-established business in town has offered a big-hearted Valentine’s day boost for the Can You Spare A Minute? appeal.

H&T Pawnbrokers has more than 100 stores throughout the country – the latest to open its doors is in Yorkshire Street.

One of the longest-estabished pawnbrokers in the UK, all the stores are keen to support local charities in the community.

Having seen details of our fund-raising for Springhill Hospice, manager of the Yorkshire Street store Sue Turner was keen to find out more about the hospice and the Observer’s special support for it.

Sue said: “The hospice sounds like the sort of charity we want to support, in that it is close to people’s hearts. Previously I managed our Blackburn store and we held several open days throughout the year.

“Each one raised several hundred pounds for charity. We would like to do similarly well for Springhill Hospice through the Observer appeal.”

With that in mind, Sue and her team have lots lined up for Valentine’s day which, traditionally, is a busy time for the business.

She said: “We have a great day planned for 14 February, from 11am to 4pm. There will be various fun things going on throughout the day, such as face painting and making animal-shaped balloons for the children. Refreshments will be served, cakes and sweets.

“We will also be offering a gift-wrap service for anything that’s bought, in exchange for a donation to the charity.”

The company’s dog and cat mascots, Aitch and Tee, will also be on hand to have fun with the children.

The new store in Rochdale opened in November and Sue said the business was doing well.

She added: “We’ll have lots of special offers and discount vouchers on Valentine’s day, which is one of busiest events in the year.

“We hope it will be successful for us and for the charity we are supporting, Springhill Hospice.”