THREE brothers from Yate have been recognised for their charity work as part of Volunteers’ Week in the UK (June 1-7).

Damon, 19, Kelvin, 17, and Barry Cocking, 26, all give up their free time to work at the St Peter’s Hospice clearance shop in Yate, where they sell three-quarters of the store's hospice lottery tickets.

The youngest pair, Damon and Kelvin, both help out one day a week while studying art and design at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

“Volunteering here has improved my communication skills," Damon said. 

"It’s a lovely environment and a great place to meet people.”

Younger brother Kelvin, 17, was shy to start with and would hardly talk, but now enjoys chatting with customers. 

He said: “I wanted to help those less fortunate, and St Peter’s Hospice is a charity I feel strongly about.”

Like his brothers, 26-year-old Barry believes that volunteering has helped him to make a difference.

“It is such a good cause,” he said. “Family and friends of mine have had cancer. Volunteering here not only helps the Hospice but builds my confidence and improves my skills for job-searching.”

All of the St Peter’s Hospice shops rely on volunteers to operate, so the contribution of people like Damon, Barry and Kelvin makes this possible.

As part of Volunteers Week in the UK, which runs in the first week of June and celebrates the amazing work volunteers make to organisations and communities across the country,  the three brothers have been commended for their work. 

Sue Ford, who manages the three brothers at Yate Clearance Shop, said: “They are absolutely brilliant. They’re all very friendly, pitch in together and are willing to do extra shifts if we are short."

Russell Cowan, Head of Volunteer Resources for St Peter’s Hospice, added: “Volunteers play a pivotal role in everything we do at St Peter’s Hospice.

"Without their dedication and long term support we simply wouldn’t be able to offer the breadth and depth of service to our patients and their families."