CREWE'S YMCA shop has re-opened with an appeal for volunteers.

The charity's retail outlet in the Victoria Centre has been closed for more than three months and as a result of the Coronavirus crisis its volunteer list has fallen away.

The doors were open again to welcome back much-loved customers, donors and staff yesterday (Wednesday) with Crewe being one of two Cheshire stores - the other at Congleton - returning for business this week.

They are two of 15 stores the YMCA is re-opening this week as part of its first phase of restoring more than 40 shops to their local communities by the end of June.

Across all reopened stores YMCA is following government guidelines with additional cleaning and social distancing measures alongside hand gel stations at each entrance to ensure safety.

Donations are very welcome and if donors have any questions or concerns before dropping items off, they should feel free to call ahead.

The charity says alongside donations they are appealing for volunteers to help them get back up and running.

Simon Green, Head of Retail at YMCA England and Wales said: "The retail team have been working extremely hard to re-open stores in a way which keeps customers, staff and the community safe.

"It truly is a privilege to serve at the heart of communities, providing not only the chance for customers to find bargains and recycle goods, but also to gain employment experience and create new friendships. We are delighted to be back.

"But without the dedication of hundreds of volunteers YMCA shops wouldn't be possible and so we are calling on anyone locally who may be able to help to please get in touch.

• Money raised at YMCA charity shops across England and Wales is used to help transform the lives of young people across almost 700 local communities. From providing a warm bed for homeless young people to delivering mental health advice and counselling for those in need.

The Crewe store can be rung on 01270 214587.