THE run-up to Christmas is a busy time of year for Michael Sobell Hospice, with a range of festive activities planned - which is why the charity is appealing for volunteers to lend a hand.

If you can spare a couple of hours in November or December, the hospice is in need of volunteers to support store bucket and tub collections, as well as helping out in its Ruislip charity shop and weekly market book stalls in Amersham and Chesham.

Here is a list of activities and dates when you can get involved:

Store collections

Saturday, November 11, 10am-5pm at Marks & Spencer, Rickmansworth

Friday, December 1, 10am-5pm at Waitrose, Ruislip

Friday, December 8, 10am-5pm at Tesco, Pinner Green

Saturday, December 16, 10am-5pm at Tesco, Rickmansworth

READ MORE: Hayes team tackles TV's Robot Wars

READ MORE: New Lidl store to open in Hayes this week

READ MORE: New books look at fascinating history of Uxbridge, Hayes

Ruislip charity shop

The charity needs an extra pair of hands in its High Street shop during the busy Christmas period. The role involves helping sort donations, serving customers and putting items out on display.

Book stall volunteers

The busy weekly book stall in Amersham Market on Tuesday and Chesham Market on Wednesday rely heavily on volunteers.

If you have some time to spare, even just an hour or two, contact Victoria Mansell, Voluntary Services Manager, on 020 3826 2356 or the Fund-raising Office on 020 3826 2367.