ESPlus has built its reputation installing surveillance and tagging systems for household-name retailers such as Homebase and the company was happy to step in and help when it heard about the charity shop's difficulties.

"When we learnt that vandals had been deliberately damaging goods which had been donated by members of the public we were determined to help," says director Phil Willis.

Over several weeks, beginning last October, clothes for sale in the store had been slashed.

ESPlus has now equipped the outlet with a professional-grade CCTV system that will capture high quality video evidence of any future attacks.

"We have designed the system so that if problems occur in the future it will provide police with very clear evidence and allow them to identify offenders."

Store manager Lisa Drinkwater described the installation as a 'fantastic boost' and was delighted that everything was now being done to protect the shop.

It was important for the staff, who are all volunteers, to feel safe and secure she added.

Meanwhile, in a further gesture of support another local business, retailer Adnams Cellar & Kitchen Store, also stepped in to help make good the losses at the Cancer Research shop - it staged a wine auction and raised GBP247.