CHARITY shop volunteers had two reasons to celebrate yesterday.

The Imperial Cancer Research Shop in Hartlepool celebrated it's 18th birthday, and having raised more than £670,000 since it opened.

To commemorate the milestone a small birthday party was held, with many volunteers also being presented with long- service awards.

Ann Thompson, area retail manager said: "I would like to say a big thank you, not only to my staff who have worked extremely hard since the shop first opened, but also to our loyal customers and donators who have ensured the shop's success."

Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer at the shop, in York Road, is asked to call in and speak to the team