The Old Low Light Heritage Centre on North Shields Fish Quay is calling out for new volunteers.

The heritage centre, in the oldest surviving building on the fish quay, particularly needs new volunteers to help in the café.

Volunteer coordinator, Manja Jereb explained: “Like other charitable organisations, we are still feeling the impact of the pandemic in lots of different ways, including having fewer active volunteers than in 2019.

“Over the past 18 months or so we have worked very hard to recruit new volunteers who, along with people who have provided selfless support at the centre for several years, are helping us to stay open five days a week.

“However, we need to boost numbers to provide flexibility for when a volunteer is unwell, takes a holiday or for whatever reason is unable to work a shift. On such occasions, we’re relying on the goodwill of remaining volunteers doing additional shifts to ensure we have the right cover but we know that we can’t sustain this in the long term.”

Volunteers mainly work on the welcome desk and in the café, although some also help to research and produce exhibitions, give talks and lead guided walks and other activities.

Manja added: “While we welcome interest from people who would like to explore our full range of volunteering opportunities, our need is greatest in the café, supporting our small staff team.”

Further information about volunteering opportunities at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre is available at https://oldlowlight.co.uk/support/volunteer/

The heritage centre, once a leading light guiding ships through the treacherous mouth of the Tyne, opened to the public in 2015 following major renovation. It includes a café, gift shop, heritage gallery, community space and a viewing platform with spectacular views of the River Tyne. It is currently open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm.