A CHARITY shop which has raised thousands of pounds to help older people has celebrated a double milestone.

Age UK in Kirkbymoorside marked its 20th anniversary by presenting five of its staff with long service awards.

Manager Carol Holby said the shop had around 20 regular volunteers.

“We wanted to do something to mark the anniversary and also thank our staff for all the work they do, which is why we handed over the long service awards,” she said.

“Five of them have 53 years of service between them, which is amazing.”

The awards went to Sheila Dennis, for 10 years service, Judith Brisby for nine, Margaret Roberts, 14, and Carol Thorpe, 11, and Andrew White, nine.

Councillor Bob Gardiner, chairman of Ryedale District Council, handed over the awards and the event was followed by a celebratory party.

Carol said: “We are grateful to Cllr Gardiner for giving up his time to present the awards. Our shop in Kirkbymoorside has always been well supported by volunteers and local people and we hundreds of Gift Aiders which all gives that extra bit to the charity.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers who give up their time to help in the shop.

“Thanks also goes to all our customers for their continuous support. On some days we can have as many as 80 bags of items donated and we can get some fabulous stuff.”

Carol, who has been at the shop for 16 years, said they had raised thousands of pounds over the years for Age UK, which is one of the UK’s largest charities working with older people.

“Throughout the year we have a number of special promotions and have had a particularly successful Christmas promotion this year which all goes towards helping Age UK to carry out their work with elderly people,” she said.

“We have a really fantastic team here at Age UK in Kirkbymoorside who help each other out when they can.

“We also have a lot of support from the local community and would also like to wish them a happy Christmas and hope to see them in the New Year.”

For more information or to become a volunteer, phone 01751 431329.