JUST a week ago, after a hectic Christmas, the shelves looked bare at Peebles Cancer Research UK’s charity shop.

But seven days later it is a completely different story.

Many people have had a post-Christmas tidy up and donations are on a high, said manager Suzi Litster.

As the latest board games arrive in homes, older ones are among some of the donations which have found their way to the High Street shop.

Suzi, 45, who is from Peebles “loves fresh challenges” and has managed the shop since March after five years at Ramblers and a previous career with Scottish Borders Housing Association as a maintenance officer.

She said having started in the spring she had not witnessed the large volumes of donations which come in January.

Currently, Suzi has 14 volunteers but is always on the look out for extra help.

She said: “Charity shop volunteering is open to anyone aged 18 or over unless they are taking Duke of Edinburgh or the Saltire awards in which case they could start aged 16.

“It can be great experience for young people who could learn about interacting with customers, administration and retail skills such as operating a till.

“I love working here although it was quite hard at the start and the days are really packed full of activity.”

Money raised funds life-saving research and every year around 34,100 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland.

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.

A special feature of the shop, which has proved quite emotive, is the “Crochet Wall” by the door.

Suzi said: “People buy a crochet square with a donation and can write a message for someone who has been affected by cancer.”

As with commercial shops a good window display can attract many customers.

Suzi says she is lucky to have assistance from artist Robyn Troup who also is one of the display stars at Perfect Style.

As a shopper left he said he “would continue looking for that perfect coat” and Suzi said there are many regulars.

“There is a three- or four-year-old girl who one day found something shiny on the floor,” said Suzi. “Now if we get a shiny gem we keep it for when she visits with her mum.”

For more information about Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit www.cruk.org/shops or follow @CRUKShops on Instagram or X (Twitter).