UPON his retirement 20 years ago, Alan Fraser Murray never envisaged becoming a master builder.

During his busy career spanning several decades, he worked in his family butchery business, secured a degree in hotel and catering and ran his own finance company.

And even after retiring Alan took on several part-time jobs and still had time for a hobby.

But it was the gift of a miniature stone house from his wife which prompted him to think about building a new life as a volunteer.

The 85-year-old is the latest recruit in the furniture restoration department at St Teresa’s Hospice Superstore, in the Darlington Retail Park, off Yarm Road.

The busy department sees a team of experts restore a huge variety of items donated to the hospice or from house clearances to stock its charity shops in Darlington, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Mr Fraser said: “I have just joined the team at St Teresa’s and absolutely love it.

"It is very rewarding working with a dedicated group of volunteers and knowing that your work will help raise vital funds for the hospice.”

For more information on the superstore, call 01325-488701.