A coffee shop run by volunteers which has been closed for two years is likely to stay shut until spring next year.

It comes as a voluntary group calls for support from the community.

The Foyer Coffee Shop in Bridport Community Hospital was forced to temporarily close in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

However, the Hospital League of Friends which run the shop on a voluntary basis, said there are plans to reopen the venue next spring.

Spokeswoman from the Hospital League of Friends, Heather Purse said: "The shop was closed due to coronavirus restrictions in March 2020.

"We hope to reopen this area for refreshments in the spring of 2023."

As Covid-19 restrictions eased during the course of last year, Ms Purse said a small number of volunteers have returned to help in the hospital, while visits to the hospital are limited from 10am until 4pm.

She said: "An important role is to act as a welcomer at the hospital entrance to point those attending to the right direction for their outpatient appointment such as physiotherapy, X-rays or outpatients.

"A welcome relieves some of the stress of attending an unknown building.

"Others have returned to the ward to help offer drinks to patients and have a chat."

Ms Purse said the Friends are now seeking more volunteers to undertake these roles.

She added: "We hope that if you have a few hours spare each week to take on a regular commitment that this may appeal to you.

"We urge candidates to look at the volunteer section on the Dorset Healthcare Trust website and apply online.

"Once your application has been received the staff will contact you to undertake a DBS check and once this is certified as clear then you will be asked to attend for an informal chat with the nursing staff to talk about what role is right for you."

The Friends also require a treasurer to look after their accounts. The group also wants to set up a befriending telephone call service for those discharged from hospital and requires volunteers for this also.

For more information contact Chris Munden on chrismunden49@gmail.com or telephone 07762 752109 or Heather Purse on heatherpurse@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 01308 423220.