A WORCESTER charity shop may have to cut its opening hours unless it can attract more volunteer workers.

The Save the Children shop in Pump Street could be forced to close for a couple of days each week unless more volunteers come forward.

Save the Children is a leading international children's charity which works to create a better future for youngsters.

In June and October last year, when some members of staff retired, the organisation appealed through the Evening News for volunteers to take their place.

Some people offered help, but now others have retired and the shop has once again reached crisis point.

"We had a successful response after the two newspaper articles but since then people have left," said Sue Williams, Save the Children's shops manager for Wales and the Midlands.

"We have no paid manager so the volunteers have to run the shop themselves.

"The problem we have is there have to be two people on the premises per shift for health and safety reasons."

Volunteers work day shifts from 10am to 1pm and 1pm to 4pm and the shop is open from Monday to Saturday.

Sorting and pricing bric-a-brac, books and clothes are also part of the job.

"We are unsure of how we are going to cope without extra help," said Mrs Williams.

"Some people are doing two or three shifts to keep the shop open.

"We are hoping we will manage to remain open as usual during most of the week, but it is looking more and more likely we will be forced to close on a couple of days each week unless we find extra help."

Save the Children aims to give all children a happy, healthy and secure childhood.

It provides a vital role in helping children in the UK and 70 countries worldwide.

"This current situation is very sad as our volunteers are working so hard to make as much money as possible to support Save the Children's work," said Mrs Williams.

"I am sure that there must be people who would like to help.

"Experience is not needed as we can offer training, but a sense of humour and ability to work as part of a team are essential."

People willing spare a minimum of three hours a week should contact Mrs Williams on 01952 299683.