A VOLUNTEER is celebrating 30 years of service to a charity in Somerset.

Evelyn Woodfield, 67, has been volunteering at St Margaret's clothes shop in Cornhill, Bridgwater, since 1991.

She started volunteering after she took early retirement with her husband, after he left his job due to ill health.

Evelyn, from Bridgwater, has served thousands of customers since she started volunteering at the shop.

"I used to work part-time in a shop and my husband worked full time," she said.

"He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and left his job due to ill health.

"As a result, we retired early, and we had a lovely retirement while he could still do things.

“I decided to start volunteering at St Margaret’s as I wanted a change.

"I had experience in retail, so I just came in for a morning to see what it was like and the rest is history.

"I really enjoyed the atmosphere and working with the team.

"We have a close-knit team here at the St Margaret’s clothes shop and I frequently see customers outside the store, and they always stop and say hello.

"My favourite part of working at the shop is serving the customers. I am a social person so love interacting with the customers and listening to their stories.

"I also really enjoy working with my team who are all so dedicated, kind and lovely to be around."

To thank Evelyn for her 30 years of service, staff at the Bridgwater shop presented her with flowers, chocolates and a card on Monday, April 12.

“I’ve loved every minute of my time at the hospice shop and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of volunteering to pop in and give it a go," added Evelyn.

"It’s a great way to meet people, get involved in your local community and raise money for a fantastic charity.

“I was previously a nurse so I can really appreciate all of the work that the brilliant staff at St Margaret’s do.

"I’ve learnt a lot about what the hospice does during my time here, it’s not just a place that cares for people at the end of their life.

"The nurses care for people in the community and there’s a lot of support available.

"It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the hospice for such a long time and I look forward to continuing to work with my amazing team to help them in the future."