A STAR of sitcom 'Allo! Allo! opened a "remarkable" hospice's new shop.

Vicki Michelle, who appeared in the hit TV series, cut the ribbon of the new Haven House boutique in Loughton.

The Woodford-based charity invited the celebrity, who is one of their patrons, to cut the shop's purple ribbon.

Vicki mingled with shoppers, purchased items and even went behind the till to serve customers and was joined by husband Graham Fowler and mum, Joan.

The boutique is Haven House’s fifth shop and joins stores in Epping High Road, Chingford Mount, Leytonstone and Romford.

She aid: “I was delighted to open Haven House’s new boutique in Loughton which I hope will raise lots of funds for the hospice.

“The boutique looks really fun and trendy and is already proving to be very popular with shoppers. I think it’s absolutely great!

“I have been a patron of Haven House for many years and what they do for life-limited children and their families in the local area is truly remarkable.”

Matt Lord, heaad of retail at Haven House, said: “It was lovely to welcome Vicki to our new boutique in Loughton.

“She did an amazing job making people feel excited about the opening and we were delighted that she mingled with customers, browsed in the shop and even purchased some items.

“We have wanted to open a shop in Loughton for many years and we hope our boutique will be a wonderful addition to the High Road.

“We are urging residents to donate their pre-loved goods to the boutique and to volunteer.”

For more information about our shops please visit havenhouse.org.uk/find-our-shops