The Mare & Foal Sanctuary are appealing for volunteers to help out at their eight busy charity shops ahead of the busy summer holidays.

The charity relies on the help and support of local people and is looking for volunteers to work on everything from stock processing and pricing to sorting bric-a-brac.

Retail area manager Adam Livsey said it was a great way to meet new people and make new friends, as well as helping to gain retail experience and confidence.

He said: “All our volunteers love helping out at the sanctuary. Our high street shops are a hive of activity with people coming and going all day.

“We also offer on the job training and all the help our volunteers need. Many have been with us for years and love working for such a worthwhile cause – helping us with the rescuing and rehoming of our beautiful horses and ponies.”

The role is varied with an army of volunteers needed at the Sanctuary’s eight Devon shops to help with sorting out donations, window dressing, serving on the till and talking to customers.

Adam added: “Working in the shops can be a very rewarding and interesting job. It’s also a great way to gain valuable experience and is suitable for any age and ability.

“Working people with a few hours to spare can also volunteer because we can work out the best hours to suit them.”

The money raised in the shops goes towards rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining and rehoming ponies, horses and foals that have been abandoned, mistreated or neglected.