DEDICATED volunteers and loyal customers have made the Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity shop in Devizes a success.

Many of the volunteers have worked at the shop, in Maryport Street, since it opened in November 2016.

The shop manager, Carol Kempster, who has also worked at the shop from the beginning, said: “Our volunteers are invaluable and we would not be able to run the shop without them. They are all very committed and volunteer on a regular weekly basis giving up their valuable time.

“They are all very dedicated to the shop and the charity and we are like one big family all working hard towards the same goal – raising funds to help the charity to continue saving lives.”

Liz Hornby, of Urchfont, Marilyn Kerrigan, of Devizes, and Jean Stanford, of Trowbridge, are among the volunteers who have been at the since it opened.

Liz, who tags and sizes the donated clothes, said: “I enjoy volunteering for such a worthwhile cause and I work with very nice people.”

Marilyn, whose main duty is steaming the clothes before they go on sale, said: “Wiltshire Air Ambulance is very dear to my heart. We are a friendly team and I love volunteering here.”

Jean, who works on the till and does other general duties, said: “I enjoy talking to the customers, we have regulars and you get to know them. I like the ethos of the charity.”

On average the shop receives between 50 and 60 bags of donated items a week. Customers looking for good quality clothes can often find designer labels such as Jaegar, Ted Baker and Ralph Lauren.

Carol, who has over 30 years experience of working in retail, said: “The shop is very much established and has a lot of support from locals and visitors alike.

“Having a Wiltshire Air Ambulance shop in the centre of Devizes has highlighted the charity and the vital role it plays in the community. It also acts as a point of contact to Wiltshire Air Ambulance for many people.”

The window displays are often complimented on by customers and Carol uses recycled items where possible as props, including wooden pallets, a cable drum, old ladders and furniture that has been refurbished. One of the shop volunteers also helps with making props.

The shop has embraced the digital age and recently launched its own Facebook page.

“It has helped to raise our profile and has had a positive response with many liking our page. We use it to request stock and feature specific items for sale and appealing for people interested in becoming volunteers with us.” Carol said.

The shop does needs a few more volunteers on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. If you can spare a few hours email hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk