A VITAL service at Haylodge Hospital is at risk unless more volunteers can't be found.

The Royal Voluntary Service operates a refreshment and toiletries trolley each day as well as a small café at the Peebles hospital.

But with the imminent retiral of several long-serving volunteers in the coming weeks, organisers are uncertain of how they will maintain the current service.

Eileen Gilchrist from the Royal Voluntary Service told the Peeblesshire News: "The last thing we want to do is close the service.

"A few volunteers are moving on after many years of valued service and we need to find replacements.

"We still want to run the service at Haylodge as we know how much people value it, but we need volunteers."

RVS volunteers serve teas, coffees and snacks from the small cafe every afternoon.

And each day at least two volunteers will also tour the wards with refreshments and toiletries.

Moira Spence, who has 10 years service, and Celia Eaglesham, who has volunteered for the past four years, were on duty this week.

And throughout Wednesday afternoon they were kept busy with a steady stream of visitors before doing the trolley rounds.

Haylodge currently has 15 volunteering spaces on the seven-days-a-week rota.

Eileen added: "Volunteering with the RVS is a great way of giving something back.

"Whether you’re visiting or staying in hospital, we understand the worries that this can cause.

"We offer a friendly face and someone to talk to in hospitals with our shops, cafés and trolley services.

"We would love to hear from anyone who has a few hours to spare."

As well as Haylodge Hospital the RVS provide trolley and café services at Borders General Hospital, Hawick Community Hospital and Kelso Community Hospital.

For further information about volunteering with the Royal Voluntary Service contact Ms Gilchrist on 01896 826536 or 07736825357.