DESPITE still declining to confirm details on the location and date for the opening of its new Hexham store, high end clothing retailer White Stuff is asking for help to choose a local charity to support.

The business, which sells clothing for men and women as well as accessories and gifts, is asking local people to vote for either Hexham Youth Initiative or Gateway into the Community to become the new Hexham shop‘s charity partner.

The winning good cause will receive regular donations and support from the branch and the runner up will receive a one-off donation to help continue their work.

Votes should be cast online at www.whitestuff.com/hexham-charity-vote/ by Sunday.

The business, which has shops in Morpeth and Carlisle, is known for its charitable support and every year commits to donating at least one per cent of its annual profits to charity.

But the only warning of its intention to open in Hexham came from adverts for a shop manager, deputy manager and part time product advisors posted online, and in the windows of the local branches.

Since then officials at the company have remained tight-lipped on the number of jobs it may create and have only confirmed they hope to open the branch in the autumn.

Meanwhile, the only clue on the plans for the location of the new store is a planning application submitted last month, seeking permission to alter the signage at 16-20 Fore Street - the premises formerly occupied by Poundstretcher.