A CHARITY that helps vulnerable youngsters is seeking volunteers to help to run its shop in Consett.

The Children's Society is on the look-out for helpers to work at the store in Middle Street.

Area retail manager Sarah Sharpe said: "This year is the International Year of Volunteers, which is a celebration of volunteers around the world.

"We want to be part of that celebration and invite more people to get involved down here in our shop.

"There's no better New Year's resolution than to do something useful with your time and no better time than now to do it. Joining our friendly team might even help you shake off those post Christmas blues.

"The society's shops fund our vital work with some of the country's most vulnerable children and we just couldn't do it without our wonderful volunteers. One of our volunteers told me how glad they were to have made that first call. Making new friends by taking part in our work was the best thing they ever did."

Volunteers' tasks including preparing donated stock, ironing, steaming and sorting through clothes.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Sarah Sharpe on Freefone 0800 9808524.