A TEAM of more than 800 volunteers have helped a Herefordshire hospice win a prestigious national award.

St Michael's Hospice came out top in the Charity Retail Awards after winning the 'Most Profitable Charity Retail Operation for 11-20 Shops’ category.

The honour was handed to the Bartestree-based hospice in recognition of its 17 shops and home & living stores.

In the past year, the branches have raised more than £1 million for St Michael's, allowing it to continue to fund the care it provides to families.

Mary Brown, volunteer manager at the hospice's Eign Gate shop in Hereford city centre, said: "Volunteering for St Michael's feels like having a second family.

"It has given me the chance to give something back to the hospice movement in return for the unparalleled care given to my partner.

"It's the best therapy I could have had. I wouldn't give it up for all the tea in China. Many of the people I work with have experienced similar situations and winning this award as a team is very special."

The head of retail at the hospice said she was "very proud".

"Over the last 15 years, St Michael’s has needed to provide more and more services to local families," said Nicola Wood.

"Because of the volunteers, staff and the thousands of people who have donated quality goods, the hospice can provide more families with the care they need."