VOLUNTEERS at Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Northallerton shop are celebrating after raising £200,000 over the past five years.

A special award was presented to the voluntary committee that runs the Romanby Road shop to thank them for their commitment and hard work.

Alan Dandy, who is stepping down from the role of Chairman after eight years, was also presented with an award in acknowledgement for his efforts.

Alan plans to continue as a volunteer.

Mark Richardson, acting chairman, said: “It’s fantastic for a small shop to have raised so much money in such a short amount of time. "We’re very proud to have made a difference to cancer patients living in Yorkshire.”

Since opening in 1965, the shop has enjoyed continued support from the local community.

It receives regular donations of unwanted belongings, from clothes to books and bric-a-brac.

Volunteer Brenda Sharpe, 74, said: “My mother and grandmother both died from cancer.

"I like the fact that the money raised is used to help people in Yorkshire.

"I find volunteering very rewarding. You feel as if you’re doing something to help.”

Pauline Wilson, 70, who has been volunteering at the shop for four years, added: “My relatives have had cancer and it’s a cause close to my heart.

"I used to come in as a customer and got to know the team. When I retired, I asked if they needed volunteers and I’ve never looked back really.”

Juliet Glendinning, commercial director at the charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers and members of the community who have helped the Northallerton shop reach this impressive total."