A GROUP of charity shops in Worcestershire and Hereford has launched an appeal for more volunteers to collect and sort donations from the public.

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) shops want people with a few hours to spare who can drive and collect donations of clothes, shoes, books, CDs and bric-a-brac from people in the community unable to deliver items to the shops.

BHF regional manager Terry Rolfe said: "Thanks to the help of volunteer drivers we are able to gather these essential donations, which help us to keep our shops fully stocked, our customers happy and ultimately raise vital funds for the nation's heart charity.

"Most people know someone affected by heart disease and by joining the team of BHF shop volunteers people are helping to beat heart disease."

The foundation is also appealing for volunteers to work in their local shops moving and sorting donations.

BHF has shops in Worcester, Evesham, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Redditch and Hereford. Anyone wishing to volunteer or get more information should call in or ring their local shop or log onto www.bhf.org.uk/shops.