A NEW Knightswood charity shop to raise funds to help vulnerable youngsters get a job has been opened by footballing legend Alan Rough.

Employment charity Tomorrow’s People launched its third Furniture Plus shop in Glasgow - and sixth shop in the UK - in Knightswood Shopping Centre, on September 24,. to fund the work the charity does in the area and will also train local young people in retail.

But the event was made all the more special as Scotland football star Alan Rough, who is acclaimed for his role in the 1978 and 1982 World Cups, was on hand to complete the traditional ribbon cutting role.

Footballs signed by Rough were also available to buy at the shop to help raise money for the charity.

The store will offer high quality recycled furniture, clothes and other household items at affordable prices, as well as a house clearance service, a delivery service and free collection of unwanted items and work experience opportunities are also offered to the young people the charity engages with.

Locals are asked to donate goods - including furniture, electrical items, clothing and accessories, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, books, toys, games and household items such as curtains and cushions - and volunteer in the shop.

Alan Rough says, “It’s great to be able to support an organisation that’s dedicated to helping young people to discover, and then reach, their dreams. They provide vital support to Glasgow’s young people.

"Tomorrow’s People is doing worthy work in the community and I am pleased to see their network of shops in Glasgow expanding so that more young people can be given opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise."

Carol Monaghan, MP for Glasgow North West, added: “I would like to congratulate Tomorrow’s People as they open their third Glasgow ‘Furniture Plus’ store in Knightswood Shopping Centre.

“Since being set up here in Glasgow in 1984, Tomorrow’s People has done important work across the UK, but especially in Scotland.

"For 32 years their programmes have been giving unemployed young people the opportunity to gain new skills, as well as receive help writing CVs and practice their interview skills.

"Projects such as these are crucial in developing skills and building the self-belief needed to enable young people to access different routes into employment.

“I wish the team every continued success for the future, and would also ask any constituents wishing to support their work to consider donating to the store any unwanted items such as furniture, electronics, clothing or children’s toys.”

Tomorrow’s People, which has been running in Glasgow since its launch in 1984, works in local communities to support vulnerable young people to get and keep a job and help youngsters, aged between 16 and 24-years-old, from disadvantaged backgrounds to help them to build up the skills and confidence needed to find sustainable employment.

To volunteer or donate please contact Gemma Parr, store manager, on 0141 959 9973.