Volunteers in Keighley and the Worth Valley are helping Sue Ryder save £19.5 million a year.

Their efforts enabled the charity to raise cash for care and hospices like Manorlands in Oxenhope.

Many of the volunteers helped staff the network of shops across the UK including Keighley and Haworth.

The figure was revealed as the charity carried out its first ‘Volunteer Investment and Value Report’. Researchers estimated the value of the 8,000 volunteers – based on an equivalent hourly rate – at £19.5 million.

They discovered that 2.6 million hours were given to Sue Ryder each year. Three-quarters of the volunteers were female and there had been an increase in volunteers aged between 19 and 25.

Tracey Mealing, the volunteer development and engagement officer, said the amount was staggering.

She added: “Our report highlights just how invaluable our volunteers are.

“Without their support we wouldn’t be able to open our 350 shops’ doors each day, our fundraising efforts would be reduced and our support service teams and care services would lose invaluable support.”

Sue Ryder is developing opportunities for helpers. Visit sueryder.org, e-mail info@sueryder. org or phone 0845 050 1953.