VOLUNTEERS arriving for work at a Worcester charity shop were shocked to find a small fire had started in the side entrance.

The mini-blaze had caused windows of the St Richard's Hospice shop, in Mealcheapen Street, to break, causing £2,000 worth of damage.

Manager Danny Cornes is now calling on anyone who may have seen what happened to contact the police.

"Although damage was caused to the fabric of the shop we are just relieved it didn't spread inside," he said.

"We fear the blaze may have been started by drug addicts, who do hang around the shop.

"It could so easily have been worse as many people leave their bags of clothes at this entrance.

"Sadly, the cost of the repairs will have to come out of the donations.

"The fire must have been started some time over the weekend."

A spokesman for Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade said it had not been called out to the blaze.

If anyone has information, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.