VOLUNTEERS from Portishead and Thornbury who have given their time to an animal charity have been shortlisted for two coveted awards.

Joan Mock from Portishead is in the running for the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Volunteer of the Year Award.

And a group from the Thornbury PDSA shop are looking to take the title of PDSA Retail Volunteer Team of the Year.

The winners will be announced in the New Year.

Joan has been donating her time every Friday to the Portishead PDSA shop, at 70 High Street, for more than three years.

She also devotes a large amount of her time creating cards for sale to raise funds to help sick and injured pets.

Portishead PDSA shop manager, Pauline Taylor, who nominated Joan for the award said: "Joan is a true inspiration and we're very lucky to have her in our team. I'm very proud that Joan has been shortlisted for the PDSA Volunteer of the Year Award.

"Joan's enthusiasm is infectious. Her dedication to the charity is outstanding as she pays for all the materials needed to make the cards out her own pocket.

"She is an exceptional individual who deserves to be shortlisted for this award."

Thornbury PDSA Shop's team of helpers have been nominated by Paul Gibbs, area retail manager.

Since the shop opened in 2002 at 13 High Street, the number of dedicated volunteers has grown to 29, as have the number of friendships made despite an age range from 16 to 84.

Paul said: "Thornbury PDSA shop volunteer team do a fantastic job and can always be counted on to support the management team in keeping sales high and delivering new initiatives.

"Thornbury is the training shop for the South West, Bristol and South Wales and the volunteers are always happy to share their experiences with new employees.

"The close-knit team are reliable, hard-working and everyone puts in 100 per cent effort, even donating their time to give talks locally about the work of the charity. It is always a pleasure to visit the shop and I'm very proud to have them in my area. They truly deserve this award."

The PDSA Volunteer of the Year Awards are now in their sixth year and are supported by Volunteering England and Pets at Home.

The shortlisted volunteers will be judged on their commitment to PDSA and enthusiasm for their roles, rather than how much time is given or money raised.

More than 4,800 volunteers help in PDSA's 179 shops, 47 PetAid hospitals, branches and fund-raising groups.