The phrase one person’s rubbish is another’s treasure has never been more fitting after a designer coat believed to be worth almost £2,000 was donated to a charity shop.

Volunteers at the Fara charity shop, in Richmond Road, East Twickenham, were left stunned on Saturday after the donation of an inconspicuous black bag turned out to be hiding a full length Dior coat inside.

Assistant manager Jemma Banks, 33, said: “The woman brought it in a black bag and was being very precious about putting it down on the counter.

“We took it to the back as we do with all donations and pulled out the most amazing coat.

“We just went ‘wow’. As soon as we realised how amazing the donation was, we went to thank the lady again, but she had disappeared.”

The coat has been displayed in the front window of the shop where it has caught the eye of many passersby.

Miss Banks said: “There has been lots of interest. We have even had two designers on the phone wanting to come down and have a look at it.”

The shop has decided to hold a silent auction on the black wool, size 12 coat, with a reserve bid of £150.

All those who adore Dior are invited to hand in their bid in a sealed envelope, with their name and contact details, before 5pm, on October 11.

The highest bidder will be contacted the following day.

Miss Banks added: “It is immaculate. It would make a beautiful Christmas present. If a husband bought it for his wife I am sure she would be delighted. The generosity of people astounds us.”

French designer Christian Dior was born in 1905, and showed his first collection in 1947, going on to win fashion fans across the globe, and the multi-million pound franchise now includes make-up, bags and jewellery.

Money raised by the auction will go the charity Fara, which aims to offer an alternative to state institutions for orphans in Romania.

For more information, visit faracharity.org.

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