A television retail guru gave residents a new take on charity when she opened a fairground-inspired shop.

Star of the BBC2 series Mary Queen of Shops, Mary Portas opened her 15th Mary's Living & Giving boutique in High Street, Pinner on Saturday to raise money for Save the Children.

Using Pinner's historic street fair as the theme for her shop's design, Portas said she hopes to transform the image of charity shops.

The 54-year-old said: “Pinner is a fabulous location with a thriving community that really takes pride in its local establishments.

"We are looking forward to getting to know our neighbours and creating a unique space where locals can get together and shop in an exciting new environment.”

She also spoke about her memories of growing up in the village, adding: "Pinner is very dear to my heart. Back in the 1970s when I was a young girl I can still remember how I was on a fairground ride trying to impress this boy, when suddenly my shirt accidently popped open. That is all I can reveal for now."

Crowds poured in to the new shop to buy clothes donated by designers such as Alexander McQueen, Mother of Pearl and Ted Baker.

Shopper Katie McHale, 23, said: "I just love everything here. I feel like it has all been picked out by Mary specifically and not just carelessly chosen. I am really impressed."

As part of the shop's grand opening, the television star also gave people the opportunity to enter a competition to design an exclusive fashion item for her collection.

Winner Yazzi Gokcemen, 12, nearly did not enter because she thought her scarf design was not good enough. She said: "When designing my piece I decided to go with the theme of freedom and used London-based images like bicycles to symbolise how everybody has a special place in this world.

“I cannot believe that my item is now on a mannequin in Mary's shop window."

Stay at home dad Anthony Leyland, who took on the challenge of designing the shop, added: "The Pinner Fair theme was very fun and quirky to play around with.

"The house of horror mirrors, wonky cupboards and colourful striped floor gives residents the chance to have a fun circus-style shopping experience in an authentic way."

To donate stock or to enquire about volunteering visit www.savethechildren.org.uk or call 020 7012 6400.