Ref. 30094-32One charity is asking for volunteers to help make its new Swindon shop a success and another is celebrating its 50th birthday.

The Samaritans are celebrating the group's birthday with an Olympic-style relay. But instead of a torch members are passing around a book into which good wishes and local history are recorded.

At the weekend a group of Newbury Samaritans brought the book to Swindon and were greeted at the Swindon Samaritans shop in Curtis Road by 12 volunteers,

Barbara Kennedy, the director of Swindon Samaritans, said the book was an opportunity to record and celebrate the history of each individual branch.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Samaritans can call 01793 537373.

Oxfam Books And Music Shop, in Theatre Square, is looking for volunteers to sort and price items and work the till.

The shop opened after the charity could not renegotiate the lease on its Havelock Street store.

The charity also has a shop in Regent Street.

"One of the joys of any Oxfam shop is the fact that you never know what may be lying on one of the shelves," said manager Maggie Aldridge. "We are constantly amazed by the quality and range of the books and music."

For more information call the bookshop on 01793 497734.