MONMOUTH’S British Red Cross Shop is urgently appealing for volunteers.

The busy Church Street charity shop has many clothes and household items in store, but is currently managing with only a skeleton staff to keep the shop open for trade.

Around six new volunteers are sought. You can give as much time as you’re able; even an hour can make a big difference.

New volunteers are needed to work on the shop floor, dress the windows, or help in the stock room. You don’t need any previous experience, and can learn on the job.

If you think you can help, contact store manager Lynne Edmunds on 01600 712891, or pop in to 13 Church Street.

The British Red Cross helps people in crisis. The charity is part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. Its worldwide team helps vulnerable people in the UK and abroad prepare for, withstand, and recover from emergencies in their own communities.

Open garden events will be held across the summer to raise money for the Red Cross. Monmouth's closest event is at Fawley Court near Hereford, when gardens open to the public on 9th July.

The Grade II listed house at Fawley Court is thought to date back to the 1630s. The gardens have grown and been developed to include fantastic borders of flowers and roses and wonderful displays of delphiniums overlooking parkland. There will be refreshments in the courtyard.

Entrance costs £5 for adults.

Telephone Caroline Savage on 07738 340581, or email [email protected] for more.