MERSEYSIDE volunteers have been praised after donating 111,000 hours of their time at Barnardo's charity shops last year.

Children's charity Barnardo's revealed that more than 600 people had offered an amazing 111,000 hours at the charity's stores across Merseyside.

Barnardo’s North West regional volunteering adviser Diane Pryde said: “Our local stores play a vital role in raising much-needed funds to maintain our work across the region and the UK.

“Some volunteers come in for just an hour each week, others for much longer, but every effort is sincerely appreciated.”

However Barnardo's are still on the look out for more help to help transform the lives of the UK's most vulnerable children.

Volunteers can choose from a variety of roles from helping behind the scenes to helping on the shop floor - there's something for everyone.

Diane added: “Volunteering provides immense personal satisfaction and is available to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

"It’s a great way to make new friends and learn new skills, together with gaining important qualifications and experience which can really help in the search for work.

“Some use it as a stepping stone to employment while others simply enjoy the social aspect.

"Whatever their reasons for joining us, they’re helping to provide a positive future to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.”

The charity is also promoting its ‘Fortnight of Fun’ which offers students the chance to volunteer at their local store over the summer holidays to give a boost to their CV.

To find out about volunteering at Barnardo's please visit

www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering

or email NW-Volunteering@barnardos.org.uk