A YMCA store is set to return to a Suffolk seaside town nearly two years after closing.

The charity, which supports young people, is going to fill the premises at 66 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, which used to be occupied by bank HSBC, but has stood empty since the financial institution shut in July 2021.

Previously, the YMCA had been based in a unit further down Hamilton Road and on the opposite side towards the seafront, but moved to Sailmakers shopping centre in Ipswich a couple of years ago, being replaced by popular outdoor clothing store Trespass.

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Kyle McLaughlin, store manager of the new Felixstowe YMCA branch, said the intention was to open the new shop on Monday, December 2.

He said the shop would be selling a variety of clothing for ladies, men and children, along with lots of accessories, including hats, gloves, shoes and designer handbags.

There will also be Christmas bric-a-brac and electricals up for sale.

Mr McLaughlin said he had been working at a YMCA branch in Witham for a year and a half, but was glad that the charity was returning to Felixstowe.

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"From my point of view, I personally believe that the community of Felixstowe was absolutely brilliant towards the YMCA on the last time we were here and having a store back in Felixstowe to help the community is absolutely fantastic," Mr McLaughlin added.

He said there were no vacancies for paid staff, but the shop would be looking for volunteers who wanted to build their skills and help the community.

The HSBC branch closed in July 2021 as part of a major cull of 82 branches across the country, with warnings from the town's business chamber that it would hit firms and the community.