Oxford's home-bred charity Oxfam had the perfect reason to party at the weekend with the celebration of the 60th anniversary since the opening of its first ever charity shop.

Since the city's Broad Street store set up for business in 1948, Oxfam has raised more than £500m to fight poverty worldwide through its network of shops.

The number of those valued outlets now stands at 730, so the beginning of it all here in Oxford was certainly something to shout about.

The man who dreamed up the idea of the first charity shop, Joe Mitty, sadly died last year. He also came up with the idea for a diamond anniversary party, and it is fitting to remember his contribution as a founder.

It has to be said that Oxfam shops are no ordinary charity shops, certainly not here in Oxford. That was demonstrated at Saturday's birthday party when part of the fun included a fashion show with volunteers becoming catwalk models to show off some pretty smart second-hand clothes.

Even model Yasmin Le Bon has been among the customers, handing over £50 for an eye-catching polka dot dress.

Over the years the range of items donated to Oxfam has also included some pretty unusual stuff. Joe Mitty's idea was to sell anything and it has lived up to his expectation, with donations like a houseboat, a donkey and even an orchard willingly accepted.

All of this open arms and trading policy has resulted in a backbone of cash to support the charity's good works throughout the third world.

Everyone who buys knows that what they are taking part in is not just bargain hunting but providing funds to relieve victims of drought, famine, and conflict and helping to rebuild lives with some hope.