PEOPLE who can spare a few hours of their time are being urged to consider volunteering to help make a difference to the lives of older people.

Tavistock Area Support Services' charity shop in Barley Market Street provides a source of income to older people in Tavistock and surrounding areas and is a lifeline to the existence of the charity.

Co-ordinator of the charity shop Val Dodds said: 'We are so grateful for all those who volunteer in the shop week in and week out, giving their time and helping to support the work TASS does in helping local people. We also appreciate all those who donate their goods for us to sell each week, please keep bringing them to the Anchorage Centre.

'Like all charities we still need help in manning the shop due to holidays and illness and are looking for help particularly on alternate Monday mornings, Tuesday mornings and afternoons, Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings. If anyone could offer three hours to help we would be very grateful.'

Anyone interested in joining the team can find out more by contacting Val Dodds on 01822 616958 or by visiting the Anchorage Centre in Chapel Street, Tavistock.