A former Hollyoaks star is set to attend the grand opening of a Rawtenstall charity shop, next month.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, an animal rescue service, is set to open its fourth charity shop, on Bank Street, on May 4.

Gemma Atkinson, who is the president of the Edenfield charity, will officially open the shop at 11am.

The shops accept donations of furniture, electrical items, clothes, homeware and beyond. They are said to be home to “a lot of bargains” and all proceeds go towards taking care of animals at the sanctuary.

Sanctuary manager Karen Weed said: “We are excited to be opening a charity shop in Rawtenstall. Our charity shops raise vital funds for our animals.

“We are so thankful to Gemma for coming along to open the shop and we know there will be plenty of amazing bargains on offer.”

"Everyone is welcome to our grand opening!"

Gemma, who played Lisa Hunter in Hollyoaks and Carly Hope in Emmerdale, is engaged to Gorka Márquez.

A television show about their family life, Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind the Lens, has been renewed for a second series.

The series gives viewers a glimpse into the couple’s family life as they welcome a second child to the family.

Gemma shared a trailer of the show, which will air on the W channel, with her 1.9 million followers. Gemma also revealed a start date for the show, which is May 6.

In it, we see the couple, parents to Mia and Thiago, as they try to balance family life alongside their careers.

The series synopsis says: “Seven years after finding love on Strictly Come Dancing, they have just welcomed their second child Thiago.

“Gemma is enjoying the last of her maternity leave and this series finds her juggling fashion shoots, awards ceremonies, and television appearances, with four-year-old Mia’s new school run and Thiago’s feeding schedule.

“Before they know it, Gemma will be returning full-time to HITS Radio and Gorka will be back on the road for the Strictly Pro tour. How will everyone adjust to the new routine and new reality?”