AN ANIMAL charity is appealing for volunteers to staff its shop in Chatham town centre.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) needs the helpers at its 295 High Street, Chatham, premises.

The charity's PetAid hospital in Gillingham treats more than 85 animals every working day.

Chatham's shop manager, Elizabeth Rogers, said: "Since the shop opened three months ago, the support has been fantastic. However, we do need extra volunteers to work on the shop floor and behind the scenes, Monday to Saturday.

"They can be male or female, aged 14 to 99. All we ask is that they have a sense of humour and a love of animals. I would be most grateful if people with time to spare on a regular basis could get in touch to find out more about joining our team."

The PDSA says "absolutely no experience" is needed to become a PDSA shop volunteer as full training is provided.

Information about becoming a PDSA Chatham shop volunteer is available from the PDSA's National Volunteering Centre on freephone 0800 854194. Details about Chatham shop activities are available from the manager, Elizabeth, on 01634 814353.

The PDSA, founded in 1917, provides free veterinary care to the pets of needy people through a network of 46 PetAid hospitals and some 273 associated private practices, known as PetAid practices.