A VOLUNTEER who gained a new lease of life working at a local shop is fronting a plea for new recruits to come forward and help a leading health charity.

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland is looking for people in the district to give the gift of time this year.

Local volunteer, Anne Davies, who helps out at the organisation's popular local boutique, is leading the recruitment drive.

The charity says it has a wide range of volunteering roles available that can be flexible around other commitments.

It is looking for locals who can do shifts in shops and boutiques, or act as a steward at one of its many fundraising events this year.

Community volunteers supporting service users in the area are also being sought.

Anne, a retired nurse, says she would thoroughly recommend getting involved with any of the roles.

She volunteers at the Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland shop in Kilmacolm and says she has got so much out of it.

Anne said: “I wanted to learn new skills as well as get to know more people locally, so volunteering in the shop was ideal.

"I really enjoy being part of the team at Kilmacolm.

"It’s good to feel useful and part of the successful running of the shop."

Back in 2021 the Tele reported how the branch was at risk of closure due to a lack of people helping to run it.

Anne is one of the team who help keep it going and it has been thriving, with lots of great bargains up for grabs.

She said: “I do a couple of shifts a week, and it’s good to focus on meeting our sales target.

"I also love making the shop look nice, dressing the mannequins and even arranging flowers at times.

"I’ve always loved clothes and browsing in second-hand shops, so I’m getting to do all of that and help people who need it, too.”

CHSS is the country's largest health charity, helping people living with the effects of chest and heart conditions and stroke to live life to the full.

Elizabeth Wigelsworth, head of volunteering, said: “Without our amazing volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to support the one in five people in Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.

“Not only will you be changing people’s lives, but you’ll be making a huge difference to your own health and wellbeing.”

*To find out more about volunteering opportunities visit chss.org.uk/volunteering