A new charity shop has moved a step closer to opening in a former NatWest Bank premises in a Suffolk town which has stood empty for more than five years.

Photos show how work is progressing to prepare the site on the corner of Hamilton Road and York Road in Felixstowe for the opening of a new East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) store.

A strip sign bearing the charity's familiar orange and purple livery has now appeared across the top of the outside of the building, along with charity posters in the windows.

READ MORE: EACH is moving shop to Hamilton Road premises in Felixstowe

In May, the EADT revealed that EACH was looking to move from its smaller premises across the road, which it has occupied since 2012, to a new site that was 'bigger, better and brighter'.

The official opening of the new store is due to take place on Thursday, June 20.

Sarah Throssell, EACH's head of retail central operations, said: “We’re delighted and looking forward to building a bigger, better and brighter community shop for Felixstowe.

“The old shop has served a purpose and been our home since opening in 2012.

READ MORE: Retailer could move in NatWest Felixstowe branch in Suffolk

“However, as we’ve got bigger and our organisation has expanded, it feels like we’ve outgrown it.

“We needed to move and our new home is perfect.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity to bring another of our classy, stylish shops to the town, with more space to sell our range of donated and new goods.

READ MORE: Felixstowe news

“We can’t wait to get started and feel sure our loyal customers and the community in general, will feel equally positive.”

The NatWest closed on September 27, 2017, with the bank blaming a sharp reduction in the number of transactions.

EACH provides care and support to life-threatened children and their families. 

READ MORE: Suffolk news