THE manager of St Margaret’s Hospice shop in Minehead, Christine Slade, has been awarded a certificate of recognition for giving more than 20 years’ service.

It was presented by the charity’s chairman Jennifer Board and chief executive Ann Lee.

Christine started as a volunteer at the Dulverton shop in 1996 before taking up the role of deputy manager. She moved to Minehead to manage the shop in The Avenue when it opened in 1998.

“I still have some volunteers who have been here since the shop opened – we are like a family,” said Christine.

“People love coming into the shop and we have some lovely regular customers. I always look forward to coming to work in the morning.

“I would like to thank the Minehead community for supporting St Margaret’s Hospice by shopping with us and donating good quality clothes and other items.

“We’re currently looking for more volunteers, so if anyone is interested in helping in our friendly shop please contact me to find out more.”

St Margaret’s Hospice has 34 shops across Somerset which raise vital funds to help the charity to care for more than 3,800 people a year who are facing a life-limiting illness.

Ann said: “Our shops play an important role, not only in raising funds but representing St Margaret’s Hospice in their local communities. I would like to thank Christine for the brilliant job she does and congratulate her on being our longest-serving shop manager.”