A CHARITY is urgently appealing for volunteers after having to temporarily close some of its shops due to a shortage.

Teesside Hospice has been forced had to close its Eston and Guisborough shops because it did not have enough people to run them, and shorten the opening hours of its Stokesley, Saltburn and Yarm shops.

To prevent any more lost income for the hospice - which needs to raise £5,200 each and every day of the year - it is trying to recruit more helpers across its 14 shops.

Volunteer sales assistants and stock processors are urgently needed for the vintage departments in Yarm, Stokesley and Saltburn, and the charity also needs specialist volunteers to help with its eBay department, including packers and researchers.

The shortage has also affected the charity’s eBay department, with fewer listings being added each week because there are not enough volunteers to help pack and list.

The charity said it had to make "difficult decisions" in the light of the lack of volunteers, as the temporarily closures and shorter opening hours will hit income.

Retail Area Manager, Tracy O’Donnell, said: “Teesside Hospice is so proud to have the support of dedicated volunteers.

"Without their skills, time and passion, it would not be possible to make a difference to the lives of local people when they need it most.

"Due to a number of volunteers retiring in our shops and some of our younger team members moving into employment, we now currently have a shortfall of volunteers and require more help to continue our services.”

She said the volunteer roles in all 14 shops would be ideal for anyone with a keen interest in vintage fashion, enjoyed looking for bargains on eBay, or just had a few hours to spare.

Full training is provided, no previous experience was necessary and hours were tailored around volunteers. The charity also offers free NVQ training in customer service for anyone wanting to improve their CV.

Anyone wanting to become a volunteer for Teesside Hospice can call (01642) 811140, email volunteering@teessidehospice.co.uk or go into a local Teesside Hospice shop to find out more.