Jemma Walton met the women who are turning their backs on the fashionistas to become trashionistas.

Never mind fussing around with your green bins, heading for a charity shop is the easiest way to save the planet.

June McSparron
And it's an easy way to save cash as well, as June McSparron realised several years ago when she found herself a pensioner on a tight budget.

"I often go and have a look what they've got in," the 67-year- old said. "The women who work there are so friendly, they don't mind if you just pop in and have a look.

"You don't have to buy anything, you just see whether anything takes your fancy."

June lives in Harris Street, Millfield, Peterborough, and her favourite shops are Sense and Sue Ryder, which are also in Millfield.

"I got this Danimac jacket from Sense for £2," she said. "And this skirt was £2.50 from Sense, but was originally from Marks and Spencer. My top was £2.50 also from Sense, originally from Bon Marche.

"You'd be surprised at who goes in charity shops. All sorts. They're not just for people who haven't got much money, everyone likes to get a bargain.

"My top tip for anyone buying things from charity shops would be to check the label before you buy it. People often cut them out, but they come in very handy when you're washing something.

"And you'll find the best stuff in on a Tuesday. Mondays might be a bit drained from the weekend, but by Tuesday the staff have started to bring out all the stuff that was donated over the weekend."

During the past five years there has been a massive increase in the number of shops selling us extremely cheap clothes made in far-flung factories.

Which is good for someone wanting a cheap fashion fix, but bad for the environment because of the chemicals and cloth used to make the clothes, plus the amount of clothes that wind up in landfill.

Charity shopping is the ideal way to bypass both problems.

"I do feel as though I'm recycling by going to a charity shop," said June. "Especially as once I get bored with something I'll take it along to Sue Ryder or Sense and give it to them, and then start looking for something else for me!"

AND don't forget, we have a fantastic Sue Ryder Superstore just outside the city which is stuffed with all kinds of vintage goodies.

As well as having all the usual charity shop stock, such as books and bric-a-brac, the store also has a massive clothing section, stocking everything from wedding hats through to party shoes.

Head here before hitting the high street shops and you'll find some funky threads, and save yourself a bob or two along the way.

The Sue Ryder Superstore is at 12 Crowland Road, Eye, and is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 3.30pm. Call 01733 223810 for more details.