VOLUNTEERS at a Wiltshire charity shop are celebrating a decade of dedication to vulnerable children that has seen donations of everything from false teeth to valuable jewellery,

The Barnardo’s shop in Devizes was originally located in High Street but in the summer of 2006 it moved to a larger site at the corner of Wine Street, opposite The Brittox.

The move was a huge success and allowed the team to receive even more donations from the local community. Last year they accepted almost 5,000 bags of clothes, books, toys and games.

Staff and volunteers celebrated the anniversary of the move by cutting a large cake with a big ten on top on Monday.

The Devizes team consists of manager Cynthia Hart, sales assistant Eleanor Matthews and 13 volunteers aged from 36 to 83.

Together, the volunteers have been supporting the charity for a combined total of more than 70 years.

Mrs Hart said: “The change of location resulted in an immediate increase in customers and donations which saw us raise even more money for disadvantaged children.

“I’m so lucky to be supported by such an amazing group of volunteers. Today’s anniversary celebration is an opportunity to thank them for their dedication.

“It’s hard to believe that we’ve been here for ten years.

“Over the years we’ve received all sorts of donations, from false teeth and prosthetic legs to more valuable items such as collectible toys and rare albums, and even a gift of gold and silver jewellery worth several hundred pounds.

“But we also get the occasional pile of household rubbish where people accidentally pick up the wrong bag on their way out of the door.

“However, it’s the generosity of the local community which has allowed us to achieve so much, and we’ll always be sincerely grateful for their support.”

The Barnardo’s shop in Devizes is open Monday to Saturday from 9am-5.30pm and Sundays from 10am-4pm.

It always welcomes donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, accessories and bric-a-brac, together with offers of help from potential volunteers.

Call 01380 721247 for more information.