Three of our dedicated volunteers who have been helping in one of our charity shops for 90 years between them have been honoured for their hard work.

Audrey Evans, Sylvia Pritchard and Connie Bicknell volunteer at our Wyle Cop shop in Shrewsbury and started working for us back in 1989.

Now, three decades on, their ‘incredible’ efforts have been recognised at a special tea party awards organised by our volunteer team.

The trio were each presented with Long Service Awards for 30 years at our hospice site in Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury on Saturday afternoon.

They were among 44 shop volunteers celebrating a total of 435 years’ service working in our award-winning shops.

Our volunteer co-ordinator, Dawn Felton, said: “All of our volunteers are amazing and without people like Audrey, Sylvia and Connie we simply couldn’t care for the amount of people that we do.

“For our volunteers to reach a combined 435 years is an incredible achievement and we can’t thank them enough for their hard work over the years.

“Our shop volunteers are vital to us and give up their own time to help make a difference and give something back to the community.”

Sylvia, Connie and Audrey with our director of care Becky Richardson and head of retail Ross Henderson

Volunteers, who have been helping us for a range of five, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years, attended Long Service Award tea parties on Friday and Saturday.

Our chairman, Tony Cordery was at hand to give certificates and special badges to them to acknowledge their contribution.

Others recognised for reaching significant volunteering milestones included Gillian Sharpe, of the Ludlow store, for 25 years, and Anne Jones, of Wyle Cop, for 20 years’ service.

Dawn added: “Volunteering with us is a great way to meet new people and is a very rewarding experience for everyone who takes part.”

We have more than 1,400 hardworking volunteers who help us with everything from keeping our award-winning gardens in shape to working in reception.

To speak to someone volunteering call the voluntary services team a call on 01743 236565 or 01952 221350.

Alternatively, you can visit one of our 26 shops to find out more or click here.

Photography: Jamie Ricketts/Shropshire Star