A COUPLE who have dedicated seven years to helping people on Grimsby's Nunsthorpe Estate are looking for volunteers to continue their work when they retire.

Peter and Susan Olds, of Byron Grove, founded Nunsthorpe and Bradley Park Community Trust 18 months ago, after breaking away from the Nunsthorpe and Bradley Park Tenants' and Residents' Association, which they formed in 2005.

But poor health means the couple are preparing to retire from their roles in April – and they are concerned that their hard work could go to waste unless somebody can be found to take over.

Retired HGV driver Peter, 72, who has suffered two heart attacks, said: "We are in urgent need of volunteers to continue the work we have been doing. We are hoping that somebody will come forward before we step down.

"My doctor told me that my next heart attack will kill me so it's the right time for us to retire."

After founding the association, Peter and Susan began promoting the interests of people living on the estates.

In 2005, they opened a community shop, on Second Avenue, which sells second-hand items such as clothes and furniture at bargain prices.

They also began running regular bingo sessions in a room above the shop but have been forced to stop because of a lack of funds.

Retired civil servant Susan, 62, said: "We get lots of items donated to the shop from all over the area and we sell them as cheaply as we can because a lot of people on the estate are really struggling.

"All the money the shop makes goes back into running the charity and paying for the vehicles and rent, or is given to the community."

Eighteen months ago the association became a charity and is now known as Nunsthorpe and Bradley Park Community Trust.

The shop is manned by a group of volunteers and helps people on the estate who are struggling to purchase new items to furnish their homes and clothe their families.

And although Susan and Peter only moved to Grimsby in 2000, they have become outspoken ambassadors for both the estate and town.

Peter, who became North East Lincolnshire's first Community Champion, said: "Neither of us like it when people criticise Nunsthorpe.

"Things are so much better now than when we first moved here.

"This is a good place to live and we have had a lot of support over the years."

The couple came to Grimsby to live near Susan's brother when their bungalow in Kent was destroyed during a flood.

Susan, who is a director of the Trust, said: "I am proud of what we have achieved over the last seven years but it hasn't been easy.

"We've struggled to get funding to carry on and we've had to put a lot of our own money into it. It would be great if a group or organisation could come in and take over the shop and Trust so that it can keep going."

Peter, who is secretary of the Trust, added: "When we look back at all the thank you letters we have received over the years it makes us realise how much we have achieved."

Can you help?

If you are interested in helping to run Nunsthorpe and Bradley Park Community Trust, call 01472 872123, between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.