Last updated 10:31, Friday, 22 August 2008

THE loyal support of volunteers and customers has resulted in a Hexham charity shop celebrating a landmark anniversary.

The RSPCA shop in Battle Hill is 10 years old, and out of the group who help keep the successful outlet running, four have been there since it started.

Deputy manager Pau-line Marriott-Lodge and volunteers Tom Benson, Valerie Dodd and Doreen Furmston have worked there since 1998.

Staff insist that the shop would not have lasted so long without the dedication of their customers and volunteers.

Shop manager Diane Garbutt said: “All the volunteers are wonderful and we could not manage without them. We have got very loyal customers and we get exceptionally good donations.

“We aim to keep going as we are, hopefully for another 10 years at least.”

The staff invited customers to help them celebrate the milestone at an open day held in the shop.

Throughout the day they were treated to free drinks and hand-made cakes, as well as a raffle and a tombola.

Chairman of the Northumberland West branch of the charity, Vicky Wakelam, said: “On behalf of the trustees, I would like to thank everybody from the bottom of our hearts for all the fantastic work they have done.”

Anybody interested in helping out in the shop can contact Diane on (01434) 608020.