Big Brother star is given keys to door

Feb 28 2008 By Leona Milven, Rutherglen Reformer

BIG Brother Celebrity Hijack winner John Loughton was in Rutherglen this week officially opening the town’s new-look Barnardo’s store.

The chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament shot to fame in January in Channel 4’s show.

And John was on hand to meet and greet the store’s customers which re-opened to the public on Monday morning after a massive re-furbishment.

The 20-year-old told The Reformer: “I’m delighted to open the store here in Rutherglen.

“Things have been hectic since leaving the Big Brother house last month, and I divide my time between Scotland and London, but my main concern is to continue my work for the Scottish Youth Parliament.

“One of my main aims is to tackle child poverty so I was honoured to be asked to open the Rutherglen Barnardo’s store who work tirelessly with children affected by today’s issues such as poverty, homelessness, bereavement and abuse.”

John, of Edinburgh, is currently studying for a politics and sociology degree and hopes to run for office next year.

He added: “I still have a lot of things to do on the back of Big brother but I’m always back home when it comes to work and parliament events.”

The shop at 185 Main Street offers locals the opportunity to buy good quality donated merchandise such as clothes and accessories, CD’s toys and bric-a-brac.

Shop manager Ellen Taylor said: “We’re really excited about the new shop. We think it will make a big difference to our customers shopping experience.

“We’d also like to say a big thank you to John for marking this special occasion.”

The store’s first customer through the doors was Doreen Read and she was delighted with its new look.

She said: “The shop looks absolutely spanking and very inviting.

“In the past I’ve popped in and bought toys for my grandchildren - it’s great value.”