TWO LOCAL charity workers who suffer from multiple sclerosis are to become a television double act today.

Bill Duckling, 58, and David Sharp, 45, of Stockton, man the till at the Norton Home-Start charity shop, despite being paralysed from the waist down.

Bill's right-hand side is much weaker than his left, while David's left side is affected but he can use his right. As a result, the two work together to use the opposite sides of their bodies.

The dynamic duo - nicknamed 'the Ant and Dec of charity shops' - will star in the Community Channel's Charity Chic show throughout the day.

Television cameras came to film them at work, where they were able to demonstrate the old adage that two heads are better than one.

"We really enjoy it and we get to meet people," said Bill. "We are able to just get around, so we sit at the till.

"Between us, we get by. People don't know there's anything wrong because we don't tell them."

The pair, who are both volunteers, are renowned for their banter with customers, and Bill said: "That's one thing about us - we never stop joking.

"David's the funny one and I'm the straight man."

They are so popular with their customers that a few regulars often bring in cakes and baked treats for the pair to share.

David said that he had enjoyed the filming. "It was OK," he said. "It was obviously new to us, but it seemed to go quite well.

"It's about our work at the Home-Start charity shop, and obviously with me and my mate being disabled, it kind of adds to it."

The duo will appear on Charity Chic on the Community Channel today at 8am, 2pm and 7pm.