A Nottinghamshire MP who volunteered to help out in a charity shop, initially as a publicity stunt, enjoyed the day so much that he has decided to help out whenever he can. To discover what rewards it can bring, the Evening Post's Lynette Pinchess swapped her notebook for a stint behind the counter…

If anyone asked me to be a volunteer I'd probably say that I had a busy job and too many family commitments to spare the time.

But that excuse won't wash with Nick Palmer - because if someone with his hectic schedule can find the time, then probably most people can.

Even though the Broxtowe MP spends all week in London dealing with a busy Parliamentary schedule and weekend surgeries in his constituency, he has promised to find some time to help out a charity in Beeston.

Back in June he spent a day behind the counter at the PDSA's shop to promote National Volunteers Week.

He enjoyed it so much that he pledged to return to repeat the "inspiring experience".

After doing it as a publicity stunt the first time round, he had wanted to keep it quiet this time, but the PDSA was so thrilled it contacted the Post with the news.

Charity shops are always screaming out for helpers, so I set out to discover the rewards volunteering can bring.

The PDSA appealed to Dr Palmer because of his concern for animal welfare. My love of children prompted me to volunteer at Barnardo's in Beeston.

As soon as I step through the door, I'm welcomed on board by the bright and breezy deputy manager Cathy Francis. After a bit of banter with volunteer David Palmer (no relation to the MP), she jokily twists his arm to make us all a cup of tea... I can see I'm going to like it here.

David tells me he has been at the shop for three years between studying woodwork at college.

While he is making the drinks, another volunteer Nicola Lovett pops her head round the door, panicking that she's been delayed by rush-hour traffic. She needn't worry - it's not the sort of job where your boss will haul you over the coals for being a few minutes late.

It emerged that I was in prestigious company because Nicola, from Long Eaton, was named East Midlands Marsh Trust Volunteer of the Year in 2000.

I had secretly feared that the type of people I would be working alongside would be a bunch of sniffy do-gooders. but having met David, Nicola and fellow crew member Barbara Carnell, nothing was further from the truth. None of them tried to make themselves look good by bragging how they were "helping those less fortunate".

Instead Nicola said: "I enjoy it and I like meeting the people. It's the best shop in Beeston. I used to live on top of Barnardo's in Long Eaton and I thought 'I'm going to get myself a job there'."

Getting down to work, Cathy says: "There are 63 boxes full of donated books from the Nottingham shop to unpack. We are recycling all the time."

My stint behind the counter gets off to a good start when I manage to get the Post photographer to part with his cash for one of the books I'm pricing up.

In fact we do roaring trade in books especially those picked out of the four for £1 bargain box.

Nicola takes the money from a lady who has just bought two pretty jumpers while I put them in a bag. Pleased with her bargains, she leaves with a cheery "Bye darling". Walking out, she tells her husband: "It's nice to get what you want." Another satisfied customer.

Most of the customers were lovely - usually mums with babies and toddlers, students and pensioners who had a cheery "morning" and were often willing to have a chat.

One elderly lady comes up to the counter wanting to know if there is an upper age limit for volunteering.

"We don't have any ageism." says Cathy "And we don't stipulate working hours. We fit in with what you want."

My stint is over all too soon. It's has been fun and I've enjoyed the company of the other workers.

And do you know what? I wouldn't mind doing it again.

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