A busy charity shop that supports an east London children’s hospice is facing having to part close due to a lack of volunteers.

The Richard House shop in Station Road, Hornchurch has recently been forced to close for part of the working day to give volunteers a break.

Louise Hamilton, the charity’s head of retail, said: “We have a small team of dedicated volunteers who work really hard and will do extra shifts to help out, but we desperately need more volunteers who can help provide customer service or help our shop manager Denise sort and prepare donations to sell in the shop.

“Having to close for part of the day so existing staff can have a lunch break for example, means we take less money and are able to support fewer local families who may need the specialist care that Richard House offers.

“That is heart breaking for all of us. Volunteering only takes a few hours a week and if just five people who read this article come forward to help that would make such a difference.”

To find out more about volunteering pop into the shop or visit www.richardhouse.org.uk/join-our-team/volunteer.