VOLUNTEERS at the British Red Cross Shop in Ringwood are marking 120 years working at the store, which is celebrating its 20th birthday.

Manager Jenny Melbourne and volunteers Joan Browne, Di Mavor, Pauline Dickenson and Lena Layton have been there from the beginning – making 120 years in total.

The birthday also coincided with the Red Cross’s flagship fundraising event, Red Cross Week, which included the birthday of the founder of the organisation, Henri Dunant.

The celebrations included a 20 per cent discount on all shop stock, as well as a cake sale, tombola and guess the number of sweets in the jar.

Red Cross Hampshire president the Earl of Portsmouth cut a cake, and sharing in the occasion was chairman of New Forest District Council Christine Ford.

The shop was opened 20 years ago as a tribute to the founder’s birthday.

Shop manager Jenny Melbourne said: “I can’t believe that 20 years has passed so quickly. I’ve loved every minute of my time here and feel privileged to have been able to help so many vulnerable people through the funds raised in the shop.”

Volunteering opportunities are available in the shop and in the new Support at Home project.