ACTOR Jeffrey Holland said Hi de Hi to staff at a Darlington charity shop as he helped them to celebrate a landmark birthday last Thursday.

The TV star, who played Spike in the long-running holiday camp series, cut a cake celebrating Scope's 50th birthday at the charity's shop in Skinnergate.

The shop marked its national anniversary with a buffet for volunteers and buck's fizz for customers.

Mr Holland, who was appearing in Travels with my Aunt at Darlington Civic Theatre until the weekend, said: "I was more than happy to come along and help out."

Manager Linda Jenkinson added: "We're delighted to have him here and hope customers will join in our celebrations."