Southampton has been revealed as the biggest buyer of women’s shoes after topping a poll including nearly 700 charity shops across the UK.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) announced that its second-hand shop on Above Bar Street sold 2,041 pairs of shoes in 12 months, raising funds for heart research.

The announcement comes as new research from BHF found that 70 per cent of the public now shop second-hand every month.

Karen Story, who manages the Southampton shop, said she had always known women’s shoes were a popular pick for customers but had no idea they sold more pairs than every other shop.

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She said: "Our display of ladies’ shoes is the first thing you see when you come into the store.

"We take great pride in making the shelves and the shoes look great.

"We also have a wide variety of people shopping in our store from university students to office workers popping in at lunch, so we make sure we cater to everyone.

"There’s a lot of competition on the high street and everyone is looking for a bargain, so we are very grateful for every donation and every sale, and we hope to top the list for years to come."

The British Heart Foundation shop on Above Bar Street.The British Heart Foundation shop on Above Bar Street. (Image: British Heart Foundation) Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation, said she was "so grateful to savvy shoppers in Southampton".

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She said: "Whether you’re buying a beanbag, a bed or shopping for/doing a whole home makeover, you can visit your local British Heart Foundation shop, or browse our online stores, to pick up some unique bargains."

April marks the start of Reuse Revolution, the BHF campaign raising awareness of the benefits of shopping and donating via its 680 nationwide shops.

In a year, the BHF saves more than 54,000 tonnes of goods from going to waste, including 186,000 sofas and armchairs and 11,000 tonnes of preloved clothes.

Allison said: "This spring we are asking the public to join the Reuse Revolution and shop, or donate preloved furniture, homeware, clothes and toys while helping to raise vital funds for lifesaving heart research."