A VOLUNTEER that has given up more than 120 hours of her own time to help a worthy cause hopes her story will inspire others in time for national Charity Week.

Carol Bartlett-Love who runs her own business Up To You with a Cherry on Top from her home in Calne, started spending two mornings each week at the shop in Pewsham in April.

The 52-year-old said: "My business is home-based which means it can sometimes be quite solitary, so I wanted to do something which would allow me to meet more people. My previous job involved working with children so I was keen to support a charity with a similar interest and the Barnardo's shop in Pewsham always looked like a friendly place.

"I love it here. I have learned so much and I look forward to coming in every week. I like talking to people and I like listening to people and I particularly like getting to know some of the regular customers who always say hello."

Although it was Ms Bartlett-Love's first time as a volunteer, the staff at Barnardo's helped her feel at home and ahead of national Charity Week, which runs from Monday, December 5 until Sunday, December 11, she hopes to encourage others to think about volunteering.

"The staff are fantastic and we always laugh together," she said. I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone with some spare time to help others."

Barnardo’s manager Sue Coles said: "We are so lucky to have Carol as a volunteer, she is so bubbly and friendly. We all have a great time together but more support is always welcome."