DISABILITY charity Scope is launching a recruitment drive for volunteers of any age to take on part-time unpaid work in its high street shops in the North-East.

Sandy Anderson, area manager for the North-East, said: "By volunteering, members of the community will make an invaluable contribution to the work of Scope.

"We support disabled children during their early years and education and adults going through training and employment.

"Volunteers can get so much out of working for Scope, whether it be retraining for a career in retail, improving communications skills, or just meeting people and working as part of a team. We are always so grateful when people offer their time."

Shifts can be from two to seven hours, Monday to Saturday. Volunteers are given a travel allowance and refreshments, to assist with everyday expenses.

Shops most urgently in need of volunteers are Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Blyth, Byker, Chester-le-Street, Durham, Gateshead, Gosforth, Hartlepool, Jarrow, Newcastle, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, South Shields, Stanley, Sunderland and Whitley Bay.

For more details, contact 07767 640943.