A healthcare charity which provides essential hospice care in the county is appealing for volunteers to help run two of its fundraising shops in Gloucester.

Sue Ryder needs volunteers for various roles at the charity's shop on the Oxebode, which stocks a range of vintage and retro clothing and homewares, and the larger branch in Kingsway, which hosts a wide selection of high quality second hand clothing, furniture, electricals, homewares and books.

Volunteering at a Sue Ryder shop is an ideal way to give something back to the local community, with the added benefits of gaining news skills and meeting new people.

Money raised at Sue Ryder shops helps the charity deliver care at its seven hospices across the UK, including Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham, which is home to Gloucestershire's only specialist hospice inpatient unit.

Nicola Steele, Sue Ryder retail area manager said: "The new vintage and retro focus at our Oxebode shop is proving really popular and our Kingsway shop has gone from strength to strength since it opened. We'd love some extra help at both these shops so they can continue their support of the care Sue Ryder provides.

"We're looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks at our Kingsway shop, from customer service to sorting donations, and at our Oxebode shop we'd love some help on the sales desk. An interest in vintage fashion and homewares would be a bonus at the Oxebode shop, but no previous experience is needed at either store and volunteering is a great way to pick up new skills and confidence.

"Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to call in at either shop for a cup of tea and a chat with our friendly staff and volunteers to find out more.

"Some extra donations of good quality clothing, homewares and books would also be very welcome, which can be dropped off at either shop during opening hours. You can also arrange to have your furniture collected for free when you fill out the online form at www.sueryder.org/furniture. "

For more information ring the Sue Ryder Oxebode shop on 01452 410754 and the Sue Ryder Kingsway shop on 01452 729 735.