CUSTOMERS in a charity shop were served by an unexpected volunteer when Redcar MP Anna Turley popped in to lend a hand.

Ms Turley visited the Kidney Research UK shop on the High Street to help serve customers, sort stock and even make a window display.

She said: “Meeting the volunteers who selflessly give up their time to help raise vital money for Kidney Research UK today was wonderful. These people do such an important job not only helping to fund research, but also raising awareness of kidney disease. The store here is a great place for Redcar residents to shop and a real credit to the charity.”

The shop at Redcar is the largest of the Kidney Research UK stores and, at 3,250 sq ft, is also the largest charity shop in a ten-mile radius.

Store manager Neil Stewart said: “From the goodwill and tireless efforts of our 30 volunteers who help keep the shop open seven days a week, to the brilliant second-hand goods that the people of Redcar give us, we couldn’t do it without our supporters. Our success is entirely down to the generosity of the local community."

One of the most memorable acts of generosity to date was thanks to a redevelopment of what was The Central Hotel on Queen Street, which landed the Kidney Research UK shop with over £1,000 worth of furniture and an American style fridge freezer.

Mr Stewart added: “Furniture, electricals and clothing are all really popular. And by filling out a really quick and simple gift aid form, most supporters can allow us to claim an extra 25p on top of every £1 we make from their donations. It was great showing Ms Turley the ropes today."