A CHARITY has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers so it can continue to fund the crucial work of an Essex pet hospital.

The UK’s leading vet charity, PDSA, is calling on kind-hearted people who want to support its life-saving work by offering a helping hand at its Colchester shop.

The site, in Long Wyre Street, helps to fund vital veterinary work across PDSA’s 48 pet hospitals, including Basildon Pet Hospital, which cares for thousands of pets every year.

Shop manager Sam Shaw said: “The success of PDSA charity shops is all down to our amazing team of volunteers.

Gazette: Life savers - There is no minimum time commitment so you can give up as much or as little time as you likeLife savers - There is no minimum time commitment so you can give up as much or as little time as you like (Image: PDSA)

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“We urgently need help from more local people to continue the life-changing work we do every day in our pet hospitals.”

Across the UK, including Colchester, the PDSA benefits from a network of more than 3,000 devoted volunteers.

By dedicating their free time to helping the cause, their selfless efforts help save the charity more than £4 million a year.

“Volunteering for PDSA is not only rewarding, knowing you’ll be helping a brilliant cause, but it is also fun - you’ll get to meet new people and make some friends along the way in a warm and supportive environment,” added Sam.

Volunteers can choose to spend as much or as little of their spare time helping the shop.

To find out more contact Sam on 01206 364669 or pop into the shop.