A Fareham charity shop has been forced to close after the giant Market Quay development sent town centre rents rocketing.

The NSPCC, which has raised more than a quarter of a million pounds in Fareham, was told to quit the West Street shop by council chiefs who

had been leasing the property for a peppercorn rent.

The council wanted to cash in on soaring rental costs that are shooting up thanks to the new shopping complex expected to be completed in September.

Former Fareham mayor Ernest Crouch, who managed the shop, revealed that in its seven-year life

the shop had raised more than £250,000.

He said: "Raising funds on this scale has been down to the commitment and reliability of the voluntary staff.

"The generosity of local people both in giving and buying and the goodwill of the borough council for so many years of peppercorn lease and relief from the non-domestic rate. All of which we are very grateful for."

A spokesman for the council said that a number of bids had been received for the shop from interested retailers.

He added: "We will make a decision about who will get the shop in a few weeks time.

"The charity always knew that they would have to move out at some point and they are very happy to have had the opportunity to make so much money for a good cause."

The charity does not have any other premises in Fareham.

NSPCC community appeals manager Mandy Finch said: "Our volunteers in Fareham have been absolutely fantastic, their commitment and the generosity of their time over the years has helped to raise an outstanding amount of money. It has enabled the NSPCC to continue its work both locally and nationally. We have made a difference to children's lives."