Christmas cards with a twist are helping an Ealing charity shop raise thousands of pounds in sales.

Cards featuring images of famous Christmas books and those showing snow-covered beach huts are the popular choice this festive period, according to the Ealing Charity Christmas Card shop.

Volunteers at the shop, in Bond Street, said the new designs were out-selling the more traditional Yuletide images of polar bears and penguins.

Card Shop organiser Sue Green said: “Of course the traditional cards with nativities, robins or the twelve days of Christmas are always popular, but we are very surprised this year to see such unusual cards selling so well.

“We wonder if the book cards are popular for people to send to their book group friends.”

The Ealing Charity Christmas Card Shop, which was started in 1985, sells Christmas cards on behalf of over 40 charities. Unlike many charity card shops, 100% of the money goes straight into the hands of the charities. Organisers at the shop are quietly optimistic of achieving a target of £25,000 of sales.

It will be open until next Sunday, 18 December, from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Sunday.