Marks and Spencer in Dartmouth marked Volunteers Week by putting something back into local facilities and raising awareness of the work of groups and charities.

A team from the store set about transforming the outside of the Dartmouth Visitor Centre, which relies on volunteer support. They got out their ladders and brushes and set about rubbing down old woodwork and varnishing windows at the centre in Mayors Avenue.

Materials were provided free of charge by Travis Perkins.

DVC manager Karen Perrow said the exterior woodwork had become very worn and she and the directors were very grateful to M and S for recognising the valuable work done by the centre.

Chairman of the DVC board of directors Hilary Bastone said: “We are extremely grateful to M and S for their support and for the effort of their volunteers who took on this task with real enthusiasm.”

Staff at M and S also ran a stall inside the branch in aid of the Dartmouth and District Foodbank.

Customers were challenged to guess the number of sweets in a jar to raise money towards a laptop to help the food bank stay in touch with its helpers and customers.