A “fantastic” group of eight teenagers has been praised for giving an hour’s work every weekend to help others.

Aged between 13 and 16-years-old, the school pupils have been volunteering at the St Clare Hospice shop in Loughton in recent months.

St Clare in Hastingwood cares for people with life-limiting illnesses and relies on 500 volunteers, 250 of whom work in the charity’s shops, creating an income of more than £1.2million every year.

The teenagers have been volunteering as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award.

Loughton High Road shop manager Jo Leal said: “They all work so hard and have really connected with the other volunteers in the team.

“It is lovely to see different generations of people working together and learning from each other.”

The group has been doing a number of jobs, including tidying, putting stock out, counting puzzles and checking all games are complete.

Some have already asked to stay on after their first three months, including Gabriela, who attends Trinity Catholic High School in Woodford Green.

“I really recommend it to other young people as it is enjoyable, great work experience, and helping other people makes you feel good,” she said.

For more information about volunteering at the shop, phone 020 8508 0766 or email loughton.shop@stclarehospice.org.uk.