TWO Ramsbottom volunteers have been recognised for a collective 45 years of service to a national healthcare charity.

June Losack, aged 79, and Agnes Entwistle, aged 92, have been volunteering at the Sue Ryder Ramsbottom shop for 25 and 20 years respectively.

And as part of Volunteers Week earlier this month, the pair were presented with awards by shop manager Suzanne Shepherd.

Ms Losack began volunteering at the shop in Bridge Street in 1993, taking on the task of sorting and pricing the many bags of donations the shop receives. For a long period she chose to volunteer for as many as seven days a week, persevering even in spite of health issues.

Meanwhile, Ms Entwistle started volunteering in 1998, serving customers at the sales desk on a Wednesday.

It is estimated that over the years the pair have helped raise thousands of pounds to support the care Sue Ryder provides for people living with life-changing conditions such as cancer, heart failure and lung disease.

Ms Losack said: “Volunteering at Sue Ryder is the best thing I ever did. I used to call in to the shop when it had just opened in 1993 and saw how friendly the team was, so it wasn’t long before I signed up to volunteer. I have loved it ever since."

Ms Entwistle added: "I've enjoyed volunteering here all these years with lovely staff and volunteers. I've no plans to retire just yet; I'll keep helping as long as I can and would encourage anyone, no matter how old, with a few hours spare to come and help this worthwhile charity.

"It's something I look forward to every week and I've met so many people over the years - both volunteers and customers - and many remain close friends."