A teenager from Farrington Gurney is supporting a national campaign which highlights the importance of volunteering.

Adam Chapman began helping at the Barnardo’s shop in Midsomer Norton in 2011 as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award, but enjoyed the experience so much that he has been coming back every week.

The eighteen-year-old, from Farrington Gurney, continues to support the children’s

charity, despite also being a busy student and working part-time.

In advance of national Student Volunteering Week (February 22nd – 28th), he hopes that his own story will encourage more young people to donate a few hours each week in support of good causes.

Adam is currently studying BTECs in Business Studies and Applied Science as well as an A-Level in Geography, and has a part-time job as a cleaner and another paid role as a football referee, but he still attends the Barnardo’s store in The Hollies every Friday afternoon.

His main role is sorting and rotating the stock of books but he also helps with serving customers behind the till.

Adam said: “I chose to support Barnardo’s because it’s a charity for disadvantaged children and it’s important to raise money for them, but volunteering also enabled me to get a great reference when looking for work.

“Serving on the till can be a bit daunting at first, but you get the hang of it and you gather a bit of confidence, especially from talking to so many different people.

“I’ve been here so long that it’s become a part of me. I really like it. It’s great to work in a charity shop like this.”

The Midsomer Norton store is currently supported by nineteen volunteers aged from fourteen to 82 years old, who contribute more than 370 hours each month.

Manager, Maria Collins, said: “Adam is fantastic and a great member of the team.

“All of our volunteers are hugely important to us. We could not run without them.

“They do everything from steaming and putting out the clothes to replenishing the stock and serving the customers.

“We would be delighted to hear from any other potential volunteers who would like to work with us to raise even more money for vulnerable children and young people across the UK.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, call: 01761 411541 or visit: www.barnardos.org.uk