AN ANIMAL charity is appealing for volunteers to come forward to lend a hand in their Bridport shop.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary, which has a shop on East Street in Bridport, as well as in Chard and Langport, is asking helpers to volunteer a few hours a week.

Yvette Dias, manager of the Bridport shop, said: "Here at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, we are all a part of a valuable team, even down to our regular customers who love to chat and keep up on news about how certain animals are doing at the sanctuary.

"They even bring their own dogs in to say hello.

"There is a diverse amount of work involved such as sorting books, DVDs and CDs and steaming clothes, operating the till and keeping the shop together. Our donations come in all shapes and sizes and it is always intriguing to see what you might find at the bottom of a bag or box.

“Sometimes a volunteer can be at the front of it all, helping and advising customers and then other times, can be behind the scenes processing donations - both equally important parts of volunteering.

“Every volunteer is really valued at Ferne Animal Sanctuary regardless of their abilities and talents; because everything they do will help the animals at the Sanctuary live a happy and full life.”

Amanda Thornton, volunteer co-ordinator at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: "Ferne Animal Sanctuary relies on our dedicated team of volunteers, without whom we would not be able to care for the unwanted animals that find themselves here.

"We urgently need volunteers in all areas of the sanctuary, especially in our charity shops based in Chard, Langport and Bridport. If you can spare a few hours a week and would like to be part of a friendly team, we would be delighted to hear from you."

For more information, contact Amanda Thornton on 01460 65214 or email volunteering@ferneanimalsanctuary.org