AGE Concern in the Isle of Man has issued an urgent appeal for more volunteers.

The charity’s two shops, in Ramsey and Port Erin, attract more than 50,000 customers per year and raise thousands of pounds in revenue.

However more volunteers are desperately needed in order to maintain this.

Viv Watkins joint supervisor of the Port Erin branch said: "We have 20 volunteers but urgently need more.

"The kinds of volunteers we are hoping to recruit are outgoing men and women who are comfortable dealing with customers and confident handling money. Someone with previous shop experience would be ideal.

"There’s a very friendly atmosphere in the shop and you get to meet all kinds of interesting people. It is important that as our volunteers are part of a team they must be willing to make a regular weekly commitment."

The charity is looking for volunteers who can spare a few hours per week, to cover either a morning or afternoon shift.

The shops operate with four volunteers each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, six days a week.

Age Concern Isle of Man chief executive Penny Creighton MBE said: "Our two shops make a tremendous contribution to bringing in revenue that helps us provide such a wide range of services to our growing number of clients.

"The work our shop volunteers do is invaluable and we need more like-minded people prepared to give of their time on a regular basis.

"Volunteering in one of Age Concern’s shops is fun and the work is not only varied but also rewarding as you’ll be part of a team dedicated to help us fulfill our mission, which is to create an age-friendly society where every older person counts."

To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Age Concern contact the Port Erin shop on 01624 835412.