SALES at an Eastover charity shop have soared by 25% after the organiser of Glastonbury Festival stepped in to save it.

The Oxfam store was threatened with permanent closure before festival organiser Michael Eavis offered to cover the premises’ rent and persuaded the charity to keep the store open.

The Glastonbury Festival raises cash for a number of causes but its three big charities are Greenpeace, Water Aid and Oxfam.

Mr Eavis said: “The great thing is it was a good decision because sales have gone up 25% year on year, compared to what it was trading with before it was closed, where sales have been going down by 8% in other stores.”

The store was re-opened in August 2011 after temporarily closing for an extensive refit, funded by the charity, with a great performance from top Beatles tribute act, the Bootleg Beatles.

Mr Eavis added: “The staff wrote to me and I went down to see it. This little old lady was worried they’d be laid off and I had a meeting and decided to pay the rent to keep it open. They spent the money doing it up and it looks tidy now.

“The Oxfam boss is just thrilled with it and it’s paying off, raising nearly £30,000 a year after all costs. It’s fantastic and good for Eastover.”

Carol Klimowich, Bridgwater’s Oxfam store manager, said: “I’d like to thank Mr Eavis and our customers for supporting us.

“We were on the verge of closure and Mr Eavis stepped in and it’s proved to be a great investment.

“It was absolutely brilliant and we were just so amazed and thankful.

“Everyone’s very pleased we’re going against the trend and I hope to maintain it.”

If anyone has any unwanted clothing, bric-a-brac, records, books etc they can drop them into the store, as sourcing products locally allows the charity to make a better profit.