THE Bolton Charity Shop and Drop-in celebrated its eighth year of service with volunteers, supporters, and shoppers.

The café, a popular drop-in for regulars, offered its usual friendly service of tea and cakes and shoppers joined in the conversations and stories of the good work the shop has done over the past eight years.

Shop bosses say volunteers have created an atmosphere of welcome and hospitality within a charity shop that generates a very welcome income to the many activities of the mother charity Caritas Diocese of Salford.

Rosaleen Griffin, formerly head of children and family services at Caritas Diocese of Salford spoke warmly of the support the shop has offered the local young parents service at Radcliffe Road that provides accommodation and support to young mothers, many of whom have faced the hardships of homelessness and insecurity.

She said, “The shop makes a marvellous contribution to many services including Radcliffe Road. The dedicated group of shop volunteers are here day in and day out, no matter what the weather, to service customers and make the shop a warm and welcoming place. Many volunteers have been here since the shop opened and we would love more people to come along and volunteer and get involved in a marvellous service that really does make a difference to people’s lives”.

One customer said, “It’s always enjoyable coming here. The staff are amazing. I have always found this to be a wonderful place”.

The shop and drop-in is open Monday to Friday (9 - 4pm) and Saturday (9 - 4pm) and is opposite the new bus and railway station at 130-132 Newport Street, Bolton BL3 6AB.

If you would like to volunteer please contact Caritas on 01204 370 927 or email volunteering@caritassalford.org.uk