Iain Wright helped to make a difference by volunteering his services for a children's charity.

Hartlepool MP Iain Wright spent the moring manning the tills, stocktaking and cleaning shelves at the town's Barnardo's charity shop as part of Make a Difference Day.

As Part of Make a Difference Day, children's charity Barnardo's encouraged people to volunteer in their local shop that helps to raise vital funds for families living in poverty.

Iain said:

I think the concept of volunteering is very important and a vital part of any community, especially here in Hartlepool. I was delighted to be able to give my services for the morning and they had me carrying furniture and sorting out the bookshelf.

Iain also signed up to the store's Gift Aid initiative, which sees it claim tax back from the Government.

David Abdale, retail manager for Barnardo's North East said:

Volunteering in your local Barnardo's shop is of enormous benefit to the charity. Income from these shops is vital in maintaining our projects, which offer support to so many families living in poverty in the UK.

Those unable to give time to Make a Difference Day can still participate by donating quality goods to a shop or by supporting Barnardo's volunteer charity collectors.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities with Barnardo's, people can log on to www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering