There is a whole host of organisations and charities which are always looking for volunteers to help them out, whether it be working in a charity shop for a few hours a week or visiting people in need in their homes.

Linda Tompkins, of Mount Pleasant Close in Buckingham, is one such volunteer who spends one afternoon a week at the Willen Hospice Shop, in Bridge Street, Buckingham.

Mrs Tompkins, 62, who has been volunteering for the past two-and-a-half years, is a retired mobile hairdresser.

She started volunteering at the shop when her friend became manager.

She said: "I never had experience in a shop before, but my friend Pauline had become manager and she was short of volunteers so I said I would be happy to do what I could.

"Volunteering is so easy and you can do the hours you want. It fits in around family and anything else that is going on in your life. I was pleased to do it because it is such a change for me and I love meeting people."

As well as responsibility for the tills, other duties at the shop include sorting and steaming clothing, hanging and presenting, pricing and quality checking.

Mrs Tompkins said the shop had received some unusual items in the past, including a safe, and sometimes received items of high value, such as paintings and records.

She said her advice to people, young and old, considering volunteering, was to go for it.

"It is one of the most rewarding things you can do," Mrs Tompkins said.

As well as Willen Hospice shops, other organisations in the area looking for volunteers include Age Concern, Oxfam, the British Heart Foundation, Scope and the RSPCA.