A BARONESS joined veteran volunteers at a charity shop to mark the start of a national campaign.

Baroness Hayman, chairwoman of Cancer Research UK, and volunteers Janette Mole Paton, 69, from Gateshead, and Olive Johnson, 71, from Washington, gathered at the Cancer Research UK shop, in Grainger Street, Newcastle, for yesterday's start of National Volunteers' Week.

The baroness, herself a volunteer, encouraged local people to give their time as part of the national initiative, which runs until next Thursday.

She said: "I'm delighted to celebrate the start of National Volunteers' Week.

"Volunteering gives you a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet people, as well as raising much-needed funds for vital research."

The Newcastle shop, which is one of more than 690 Cancer Research stores, is manned by a team of volunteers who sort and steam clothes, operate the tills, dress the windows, and carry out other day-to-day tasks.

Shop manager Victoria Ward said: "We're thrilled that Baroness Hayman has met the terrific team of volunteers who give their time to help us raise money for Cancer Research UK.

"Not only is volunteering great fun, it's also really rewarding to know that you're contributing to a charity whose pioneering research makes a real difference to the lives of cancer patients."

For information on volunteering with Cancer Research, ring 0207 0098675 or 0191-281 8288.