A shop in Redfield run as a co-operative by members of the community is appealing for more volunteers.

The Little Co-op, on the corner of Church Road and Barnes Street, sells second-hand books and vinyl records, tea, coffee and cakes.

It has also recently started to sell basic foodstuffs such as rice, herbs and spices, as well as environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

The shop, which is next to Redcliffe Pet Supplies, was until earlier this year called The Little Lab. Then its owner Noah Woods moved to South Korea and the shop was taken over by a group of residents committed to not seeing another empty shop on the high street.

Money to transform the shop came from a benefactor and also a grant from Community at Heart, Government New Deal money that since 2000 has gone towards regenerating east Bristol.

There are now half a dozen volunteers working at The Little Co-op, but they need more people to ensure that the good work in the shop continues.

One of the people that has done the most to ensure the success of the shop is Jane Buttigieg, a 45-year-old administrator who has lived in Redfield since 1998.

She said: "Church Road used to be a bit of a dead area in terms of anything alternative, and so it's really nice to see this shop, which is something that the community has helped set up.

"There was nothing else like this around here compared to some other areas of Bristol like Stapleton Road.

"It's very strange because this is sort of like a magical place. You can walk past it a million times and miss it and then suddenly you see it."

Former IT support worker Michelle Murphy became a vol unteer at the Little Co-op after being made redundant two months ago.

She had recently moved house from Redfield to Easton, took some old books into the shop and decided to join the small team.

"I absolutely love it," said Ms Murphy, 36.

"For me, I needed a bit of a break. It gets me out of the house, gives me a routine, and I feel that I'm doing something really important for the community.

"I've never worked as part of a co-operative before and it has been interesting to see how that works.

"And I love the people here, they are so lovely and friendly and very welcoming. You feel really part of the team, really making a difference and doing something good."

To speak to someone at The Little Co-op about becoming a volunteer, visit the shop at 156 Church Road, Redfield, or telephone 07726 164827.