A TOWN'S mayor stepped up to help boost a charity's appeal for more volunteers.

Councillor Jack Dobson lent a hand at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) store in Northallerton High Street yesterday.

Coun Dobson spent a couple of hours helping out at the shop to boost an appeal for recruits.

It is hoped his stint will be just the start of a line of high-profile helpers.

The shop's volunteer coordinator, Susan Brown, said the mayor spent his time tagging, making the tea or just talking to shoppers.

"We need more volunteers here in Northallerton," she said. "It's a great shop, but we need a few more people and thought we would ask the mayor to start our appeal off.

"We are thinking about a celebrity volunteer campaign."

Mayoress Hilary Dobson was there to support her husband. "Northallerton has a high number of heart patients and care had been built up over the years," she said. "There is definitely a need for this type of shop."

As he got down to work, Coun Dobson said: "I hope this is a good start for the BHF shop."

Miss Brown said people with just a couple of hours a week to spare could make a big difference to the shop.

"It is a really friendly place and our volunteers gain valuable work experience," she said.

The charity's 438 shops nationwide raised more than £8m for research last year.

Anyone interested in being a volunteer can ring (01609) 777010 or call at the shop at 115 High Street.