The Irish Charities Regulator is urging compliance in the charity shop sector after it was revealed that one shop owner had been prosecuted and three shops have ceased trading since 2016.

A public notice issued by the statutory body also stated that a further seven 'charity shops', no longer market themselves as such.

These stores have had to make amendments to their shop fronts to make it clear to the public that proceeds from sales would not be donated to charity.

Charities Regulator Chief Executive John Farrell said: "All charity shops must operate as part of a registered charity and all proceeds must go towards that charity's charitable purpose.

"If the public see a shop that they think, or any reasonable person would think, is a charity shop, but is not part of a registered charity let us know and we will step in."

If the public have a concern that individuals or shops are in breach of the Act, they can report their concerns by email or to the Charities Regulator’s dedicated phone line at 01-633 1550.