News

Local MP Michael Howard "saw what the other half does" when swapped his Westminster role for a charity shop stint.

The former Conservative Party leader and Folkestone and Hythe MP mucked in at a charity shop in his constituency.

The MP had volunteered to roll up his sleeves at the Barnardo's charity shop in Folkestone.

He was one of 70 MPs who volunteered in the children's charity's network of shops as part of Community Service Volunteers (CSV) Make a Difference Day.

The politicians helped out in their local shop by steaming clothes, restocking the shop floor, arranging window displays and pricing donations.

Mr Howard called the scheme an "excellent initiative" and said he is "delighted to play my small part".

"It seeks to help draw to the forefront the importance that volunteers play in helping the less well-off members of our society," he added.

Speaking earlier, Pauline Bryant, a sales assistant in Folkestone's Barnardo's branch said it will be good for the former Conservative Party leader to "see what the other half does".

"It can be busy, I'll get him to serve some people, and pack some bags," she added.