A charity is on the lookout for volunteers who can spare a few hours to support the varied and wide-ranging work it carries out within the = community.

Manx Blind Welfare Society relies on a team of volunteers to help deliver its support and services to around 500 blind and visually impaired people.

New volunteers will join a team of like-minded people and be encouraged to find a role that suits their skills, interests, schedules, abilities and comfort zone.

They will be supported by experienced members of the team with full training provided.

In particular it is looking for people to assist in the day-to-day running of its fundraising shop, The VIP Store, in Strand Street, Douglas.

The shop, which opened in November 2015 sells good quality clothes, books and ornaments.

There are a range of volunteering opportunities including serving at the till, putting out stock, sorting through donations and transporting items to the shop from the society’s headquarters in Onchan.

There are other more general volunteering roles available with the charity too which could include reception duties, working in the library, recording and delivering the weekly news bulletin, driving or escorting members in the minibus, participating in a range of member activities, assisting with the acoustic shooting group at its Onchan-based headquarters Corrin Court and much more.

Manx Blind Welfare Society volunteers’ coordinator and events organiser Debbie Thomson said: ’Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the local community and ideal for anyone wanting to enhance a university application or CV.

’We will work with you to find a role suited to your abilities and experience to ensure the opportunity is valuable for everyone.

’We understand that free time is precious but whatever you can spare, even just one hour a week, would be invaluable to us. You could even volunteer with a friend or family member so you can spend time together while supporting us!

Any time you can give will be immensely appreciated.’