A team of volunteers at Chippenham veterinary charity shop PDSA has been shortlisted for an award.

Volunteers at the store in Borough Parade are up against teams from Cardiff, Taunton and Wolverhampton in the PDSA Retail Team of the Year category.

They will be judged on their enthusiasm and commitment to PDSA, which provides free veterinary treatment for the sick and injured pets of people in need.

When the temporary store in Trowbridge relocated this summer, many of the team began making the 50-minute bus journey to the new Chippenham store.

PDSA area retail manager Paul Gibbs said: “Our Chippenham group includes experienced volunteers from our Trowbridge team together with new volunteers. They have gelled really well and they are a fun, outgoing team. They pull together to support not only the store manager but each other.

“They are a professional group of people who have created a positive impression, not only with visitors but also getting mentions online for their great service.”

Mr Gibbs said volunteers at the store had joined for various reasons, including the chance to learn new skills as well as mix and socialise with people.

He said: “For a couple of people it is a lifeline and they feel they can truly make a difference to both PDSA and their own personal situation.”

Team member Ian Bate, 42, of Calne, said: “I wanted to meet people and have good interaction with them and to learn new skills. I have improved my communication and confidence a lot since I joined.”

Fellow volunteer Susan Eaglestone, 45, of Hardens Mead, Chippenham, said: “I love animals and my auntie had used the PDSA service so I decided I would like to give something back.”

The PDSA Volunteer Awards are now in their 11th year and are supported by The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Pets at Home.

To join PDSA’s volunteering team, people can call the National Volunteering Centre on freephone 0800 854 194 or visit www.pdsa. org.uk/volunteering