A DEDICATED volunteer has clocked up a quarter of a century of service for a Stretford Mall charity shop.

Paul Cooney, 44, who has Down’s Syndrome, has enjoyed working a shift every week at the Barnardo’s store in Stretford Mall for the past 25 years.

His mum, Dorothy, also started volunteering for the store 13 years ago after regularly accompanying Paul to the shop to ensure he got there safely.

The 87-year-old great grandmother said Paul’s job at the store had given him confidence and a valuable occupation.

Their boss at Barnardo’s describes the dynamic duo, who live together in Stretford, as ‘pivotal members of the team’ and between them they have given almost four decades of service to the charity store.

Paul said: “I like being at Barnardo’s because it is a nice place and everyone who works there is very friendly. I also enjoy meeting the customers and talking to them.

“It’s very nice that my mum works there too.”

Dorothy, who worked as a librarian until her marriage 60 years ago, recalled how their long association with the shop began.

She said: “Paul had been on various kinds of work experience arranged for him by his special school and when that came to an end we were looking for something else for him to do.

“We knew about the Barnardo’s charity shop in Stretford Mall so one day we went along there and asked the manager if he could help out. They took him on and he has been there ever since.

“He does one shift a week, which these days is three hours, and is usually working behind the scenes steam-pressing the donated clothes and putting price tickets on. Over the years he has also worked in the front of the shop and just loves everything about it.”

She added: “Working at the charity shop has been very good for Paul and has given him so much confidence.

“When he was young we used to think how lovely it would be if Paul had an occupation and it is marvellous that for all these years he has had one which he really enjoys.

“I have been volunteering at the shop since the year 2000 when my husband Peter passed away. Either Peter or myself used to accompany Paul on his way to or back from the shop, so I knew it quite well already.

“I thought that as I kept on going down there I might as well help too.

“I think we enjoy working at the shop so much because we both like meeting people and being part of the team.

“As far as Paul is concerned the shop is his second home and he sometimes goes in to chat to the other volunteers even when he is not working.

“Everyone is very affectionate to him and he has made so many friends amongst the customers.

“We can be walking down the street together and people will often stop to say hello to him. When I ask him who they are he says he knows them from the shop.

“We both want to keep on working at the shop for as long as possible.”

Colin McCrory, Stretford Mall Manager, said: “Paul and Dorothy are a fantastic asset to Barnardo’s and the Stretford Mall and should be very proud of themselves for the dedicated service they have given to the store.

“Stretford is a very warm and friendly place full of the likes of Paul and Dorothy who give up their own time in this way to help others.

“We are proud to be at the heart of this community which is home to so many people like this caring mother and son team.”

Dorothy has sons older than Paul, one of whom, 57-year-old Alan is officially his carer, and takes him out to activities such as drama and dance groups most weekdays.

She also has seven grandsons and a granddaughter plus one great-grandson.

Nick Fell, 22, the charity shop’s acting manager, said: “Dorothy and Paul are both vital parts of the operation and a pivotal part of the team.

“It is amazing that they have worked at the shop for so long – 38 years between them is just incredible.

“Without people like them giving so freely of their time, Barnardo’s – or any charity shop for that matter - simply couldn’t survive.”

Barbardo’s at Stretford Mall welcomes donations of clothes, shoes, bric-a-brac, CDs and DVDs.