VOLUNTEERS at a Cancer Research UK shop in Redcar have celebrated raising £1.2m since it opened 20 years ago.

Many of the 25 volunteers who work at the branch at 78 High Street, have been affected by cancer personally or through loved-ones, and give their time to raise funds for research into the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Sharyn Clarkson, 51, of Redcar, who has worked twice a week at the shop for two years, had cancer in 1994.

Last year, it returned and she had to undergo a double mastectomy in July.

Ms Clarkson, who is chairman of support group Living with Breast Cancer, also raised £400 for Breakthrough Breastcancer by taking part in a Boxing Day Dip in the North Sea with her sister, Wendy, and her son, Ross, who dressed as rocker Ozzy Osborne, and his family.

She said: "I love working at the shop. It is a really supportive environment and it is nice to be able to give something back to Cancer Research.

"I cannot work full-time, and if I am not well, I do not need to worry because they understand."

Area manager Ann Thompson said: "The shop is a wonderful, bustling store run completely by volunteers, including shop manager Rena Shaw, who has been there since the day it opened, along with around eight others.

"This shows fantastic loyalty, and the staff are really driven by the cause."

To join The Living with Breast Cancer group, which holds meetings and offers counselling, call organisers on (01642) 487230.