EAST Lancashire Hospice, which cares for terminally ill patients in Blackburn, Hyndburn, Darwen and Ribble Valley, is opening its first charity shop.

Hospice staff are looking for volunteers to help out at the shop, which opens in six weeks in King William Street, Blackburn.

Volunteers with a wide range of skills are sought to serve customers, sort items for sale, iron clothes and set out displays.

Head of fund-raising Stuart Andrew said: "The opening of our first shop is very exciting and we are hoping that it will be a huge success.

"However, that success will not happen unless we can recruit a team of volunteers. I would be delighted to hear from anyone who would be willing to help us."

The hospice has to raise around £400,000 annually to meet running costs.

Contact Stuart on 01254 660900 for more details.