CHARITIES often say it is the little things which make the biggest difference.

And one Oxford hospice has taken the message to the extreme by opening what they describe as the ‘world’s smallest charity shop’ in a disused phone booth.

The tiny cubicle in the reception of Sobell House, Headington, Oxford, has been converted into a shop after lying unused for more than five years.

The charity, which runs eight other shops throughout Oxfordshire, decked out the booth with racks and rails and now sells diaries, calenders and other gifts.

Hospice spokesman Kevin Game said staff had long wanted a charity shop on the premises, and decided to make the most of the small space they already had.

He said: “We have shops throughout Oxfordshire, but we’ve always wanted a shop in the hospice itself.

“This shop is really about making the best use of what space we have available to us.

“We saw we had this empty phone booth that, due to mobile phones, had not been used for five years.

“People can have a browse in it at any time and pay for items at reception.

“It’s great to finally be able to have a dedicated shop inside the hospice itself.

“Hopefully it can help us get more of a profile and raise more money.”

Head of fundraising Kath Morris said: “It’s great to be able to open up another shop actually in the hospice, making the most of the facilities.”

Sobell House, based at the Churchill Hospital, in Headington, provides free palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses in Oxfordshire.

And Mr Game said that he hoped the new pint-sized shop would encourage more people to support the hospice this Christmas, and also become more aware of the work it does.

Mr Game added: “The shops are a big part of our fundraising.

“Everyone is looking for a bargain this Christmas and we hope they will come in and buy a range of cheap toiletries and gifts from us.

“They can see the hospice too, which might help people overcome their fears about what a modern hospice does.”