A CHILDREN’S charity is appealing to students to volunteer in its shops as part of a national campaign.

Barnardo’s plea comes during Student Volunteering Week (February 11 to 16), which aims to highlight the valuable work students do, raise awareness about the benefits of volunteering and encourage more people to get involved.

Karen Sparkes, head of volunteering at Barnado’s, said 30 per cent of the charity’s retail volunteers are aged between 14 and 20-years-old.

“Volunteering gives students the opportunity to develop skills, making their CVs stand out to prospective employers,” she said.

“It’s also a chance to give something back, so students, communities and the children, young people and families we support, all benefit.

“Student Volunteering Week gives us the chance to celebrate our student volunteers and thank them for giving their valuable time to support us.”

Barnardo’s has stores across the region, including Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe, Consett, Bishop Auckland, Tow Law and Seaham in County Durham, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool in Teesside and Northallerton in North Yorkshire.

For more information contact 0113-393-3200 or visit barnardos.org.uk/get_involved/volunteering/