FORMER Chew Valley School student Noah Abbott has swapped delivering newspapers as a volunteer in Winford for a new career in Bristol, after starting an accounting apprenticeship with Azets UK.

Noah, 18, shared his story at the recent Winford Community Shop annual members’ meeting, where he spoke about the skills and confidence he gained through volunteering at the shop.

He first joined the shop as a volunteer aged 14 as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, delivering newspapers around the village on his bike with a friend. Before long, the pair were offered paid work in the shop as well.

“It didn’t take long for Saturday morning shifts to become one of the highlights of my week,” Noah told members.

Over the years, Noah developed a range of valuable skills whilst working in the community shop — from customer service and social confidence to stocktaking and punctuality. All of these acquired skills helped him secure his current role as an audit associate at the Bristol office of accounting firm Azets UK. He credits his volunteering experience as a key stepping stone toward this achievement.

The Winford Community Shop team said they are delighted with Noah’s success and hope it will inspire others to get involved.

Carol House, secretary of Winford Community Shop, added on behalf of members: “Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. It’s wonderful to see Noah take what he learned here and use it to build his career.”

The shop is always looking for new volunteers of all ages, to serve in the shop, work behind the scenes, join the management committee or even take up the free training available to work at the post office counter.

Anyone interested can drop in or call 01275 472222 to find out more.