A FORMER senior NHS worker has taken on a new challenge in west Dorset.

Krys Lavery has taken on the role of team leader, running the record-breaking RNLI charity shop in Lyme Regis.

Bournemouth-born Krys, 55, moved to Lyme Regis with her surgeon husband Ken less than two years ago. The former senior sister will lead a group of around 35 volunteers - who look after the RNLI shop next to the lifeboat station on The Cobb.

The tiny shop has regularly featured as one of the best performing of the hundreds of RNLI outlets across the country. Last year, the Lyme Regis shop was named in the top ten of performing shops.

Krys is looking forward to her new challenge, working with a "tremendous group of enthusiastic helpers".

She said: "I started doing one shift selling in the shop, then two, and after thinking long and hard I decided to become the volunteer leader.

"We have a tremendous group of enthusiastic helpers and it is simply great fun and very exciting. It is so completely different to nursing, and we all hope we can break a few more records to help the RNLI’s aim to save lives at sea."

Last year, the Duke of Kent met volunteers in the Lyme Regis RNLI shop while visiting the lifeboat station next door.

Speaking during the visit, volunteer Gwyneth Barker said: "It was very exciting.

"He asked us what is the best selling item, and it is the plastic boats.

"He was very interested in what we do and asked us about how much time we spend volunteering, so it was nice to feel appreciated."

The RNLI's visitor experience manager Amanda Woods praised Krys for her "very positive outlook".

She said:‘I am delighted Krys has taken on the role of team leader.

"She has a very positive outlook and I am sure the shop will continue to be one of our top performers under her team leadership."

Anyone who would like to help in the shop should call Krys on 07538607753 or email kk17@btopenworld.com