A CHARITY shop celebrated its tenth anniversary yesterday with a party for volunteers.

Merle Hannant and Kathleen Turner were honoured for working at the British Heart Foundation shop, in Newton Aycliffe town centre, since it opened.

There were also certificates for Irene Telford, with eight years' service, and Brenda Thompson, who has been a volunteer for seven years.

Manager Pamela Thompson paid tribute to the shop's two longest-serving volunteers.

Mrs Hannant said: "Everybody has a heart, so I feel as if I'm helping everybody by doing this.

"I've met a lot of really nice people over the years and it does me good to get out of the house."

* The shop is urgently in need of clothes to sell and can collect. For details call (01325) 301780.