HOSPICE supporters are seeking volunteers to staff its latest charity shop.

St Cuthbert's Hospice in Durham plans to open the sixth in its network of charity shops in the village of Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, in the autumn.

But it is looking for helping hands who can give up at least three hours, or more, each week to assist in the running of the premises.

Among the tasks volunteers will perform are sorting donated goods, steaming clothes, pricing garments, customer care, merchandising, window dressing, plus sales and public relations.

Anyone coming forward would work under the direction of a paid staff member, with full training provided.

The hospice, in Merryoaks, Durham, helps to provide daytime care for people with life-threatening illnesses in the Durham and Chester-le-Street areas, and is in the midst of a fundraising drive to develop a ten-bed unit to enable it to provide round-the-clock care.

For information or volunteer packs, call 0191-386 1170.