VOLUNTEER organisers of a charity shopping extravaganza have been honoured at the launch of this year’s event.

Niki Trotter, Mina Nicholson, Caroline Broadfoot and Carolyn Ramsbotham have each been involved in the Durham Shopping Extravaganza since 1994.

The four were thanked for their service as they retired from the organising committee.

This year’s event will be held at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, on October 14 and 15.

Nicky Swan, co-chair for 2015, said: “Those of us who joined the team relatively recently are in awe of those ladies who have given so much of their time to make the Durham Shopping Extravaganza such an important two days on the North-East events calendar.

“So many good causes have been helped by the support of our shoppers, but the event wouldn’t take place, or have lasted so long, without the tireless work of those who organise it.”

Last year’s event raised nearly £20,000, shared between Small Steps Seize the Day, RSVP North East, Enter CIC and Gateway Wheelers.

The Butterwick Hospice will be among the beneficiaries this year.

For more information, visit facebook.com/durhamshoppingextravaganza or email: enquiries@durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk