The PDSA store in Stirling has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds

Staff and volunteers at a charity’s oldest shop in Scotland are marking a milestone anniversary.

The PDSA’s shop in Stirling first opened its doors to the public on 16 August 1982 and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds since then.

The shop’s 35th birthday was celebrated with a cake, and customers were given special offers on items.

Manager Audrey Peel said: “We’re all really proud to work for PDSA and it’s a fantastic milestone for the shop.

“Obviously the world has changed massively since 1982, but the commitment to the cause and our passion and drive to raise money for sick and injured pets is as strong now as it was then.

“We have fantastic customers who regularly pop in and support us, some of whom have been coming here right from the beginning. So it will be nice to celebrate the shop’s birthday with them and remember some of the good old days.”

One special face who attended the celebrations is volunteer Ann Christiansen, who will mark 35 years of helping out at the shop in June of next year.

Ann said: “I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years and volunteering at PDSA has been an important part of my life.

“They have helped me develop my confidence and brought out skills I didn’t even know I had.”

Stirling is one of the 21 PDSA charity shops across Scotland and raises money for the charity’s services across the country, including the two pet hospitals in Glasgow as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

The PDSA Stirling shop is always looking for new volunteers to welcome to the team. To learn more about how you can help, call the shop on 01786 478150.