A shop hit with flooding shortly before it was due to reopen has turned things around by using the opportunity to open a temporary clearance outlet.

Like all other non-essential shops, Sands Boutique in Helston has been closed since just after Christmas as a result of the third national lockdown.

It was with much anticipation, therefore, that owner Tina Chapman-Dalley and manager Jaimie Dixon had been preparing the shop for reopening with new stock.

However, disaster struck with just three weeks to go when lead was stolen from the roof of the shop and some neighbouring buildings.

This resulted in rainwater to flood into the shop, damaging the new stock that was in place ready for April 12.

As a result, while its Camborne and Hayle sister shops have reopened as planned, the Helston branch has opened selling discounted past lines stock from all three.

With sale rails for £5, £10 and £20 items, some lines have up to 80% off.

Manager Jaimie said: "Our damaged stock has gone back to be replaced, but it left us with nothing to open with. So we have decided to do a sale shop - and it's flying out.

"We're trying to turn it all into a bit of a positive. By the time this has gone the new stock will be back in - that's the plan."

She added that customers from the Camborne and Hayle stores had visited the Helston shop for opening day, bringing new shoppers into the town from other areas.