THE RNLI has launched a recruitment drive for shop volunteers to join its lifesaving team in Wirral.

The charity is looking to boost the teams that to work at its fundraising shops in Hoylake and New Brighton lifeboat stations.

Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s retail team need a dedicated volunteer crew - people of all ages and abilities - who can give a little time to help save lives at sea.

Hannah Presgrave, RNLI Community Manager for the area, said: "These stalls started selling commemorative RNLI products in around 1920 and quickly moved on to selling souvenirs and Christmas cards with all profits helping save lives at sea. 

"The first shop to be run as part of an actual lifeboat station opened in 1990.

"Today, we have over 170 RNLI shops around the coast and inland, all of which are still run by our dedicated volunteers.

"They attract many visitors throughout the year and stock an excellent range of unique souvenirs and gifts.

"The pandemic unfortunately hit our shops hard as they closed for periods of time in line with Covid-19 restrictions.

"We were delighted when we could reopen them safely in accordance with government guidance and are looking forward to welcoming our visitors in 2022.

"To do this successfully, we want to grow our team of shop volunteers and are looking for people who enjoy interacting with others, can help us to provide a high level of customer service and ensure our shops continue to be friendly and welcoming places." 

To find out more about how you can help apply, visit https://rnli.org/support-us/volunteer/how-you-can-volunteer/be-a-shop-volunteer/.

For more about the opportunities at the charity's Wirral shops, visit:

New Brighton: https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/shop-volunteers-new-brighton-474317.html?_ga=2.142844725.1807215458.1644819346-1504325062.1603365337

Hoylake: https://volunteering.rnli.org/vacancy/shop-volunteers-hoylake-474312.html?_ga=2.142844725.1807215458.1644819346-1504325062.1603365337