A CHILDREN'S hospice charity shop celebrated reaching its10th birthday last month with staff and volunteers all joining together to enjoy some cake.

Helen & Douglas House charity shop in Cricklade Street opened in 2008 and manager Faye Rose and assistant manager Trish Kiely, who both live in Cirencester, have worked at the shop since it opened.

Faye said: "Trish has been with me from the start as have many of my volunteers. Trish started as a volunteer, then became a bank supervisor and is now assistant manager.

"We have worked together for so long we can second guess each other. We work well together and I am so lucky to have her as my assistant manager.

"One of the highlights of our 10 years was when one of our customers handed us a £10,000 donation which stunned Trish and myself to silence.

"We have seen many changes over the 10 years but thankfully we have never been busier. We have lots of wonderful loyal customers and volunteers and our success is due to their continued support so I would like to say a big thank you to them for continuing to support us."

Carol Tunbridge from South Cerney who has been a volunteer at the shop for 10 years said: "After semi-retiring from a career working with special needs children I decided to volunteer with Helen & Douglas House’s Cirencester shop. I walked past the shop picked up an application pack and the rest they say is history- I’m still here after 10 years.

"It has been so fulfilling working for a charity which helps local terminally ill children. I got to visit the hospice and see where all our shop contributions end up. I enjoy volunteering here in Cirencester and have so many lovely colleagues to work with."

If you are interested in volunteering at Helen & Douglas House call into the shop or call 01285 658746. Any donations of goods would also be very welcome.