PEOPLE with an hour or two to spare are being urged to step forward and do their bit to help a Malvern charity shop.

Since opening in November, trade at the Acorns Children's Hospice Trust shop in Barnards Green has exceeded all expectations.

However, it was forced to shut its doors over the festive period because of a shortage of volunteers.

"Trade is absolutely fantastic, but we are desperate for more volunteers as we can't cope with the volume of trade we're doing," said Richard Collins, the charity's retail area manager.

Mr Collins said that although people had been flocking to the town centre for Christmas shopping, he hoped and believed trade would not slump after the festive period.

"We have been really busy since we opened and have well exceeded all our expectations,'' he added.

"We are pleased with the support from shoppers and traders and happy with the donations. People have been very generous."

Seven permanent volunteers staff the shop, but the charity desperately needs more than 20 helpers.

"We are asking people to make a new start, have a new beginning and try something different," said Mr Collins.

He urged people, young and old, to pledge a couple of hours a week to manning the shop.

"It's a good way to make new friends and learn a new skill," he said.

"We would like to hear from people who have window dressing, display and customer contact skills, or who are interested in fashion."

Anyone interested in volunteering is urged to contact the shop on 01684 569707.