PDSA’s oldest charity shop in Scotland, which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for poorly pets, was celebrating its 35th anniversary this week.

The Stirling outlet first opened its doors to the public on 16 August 1982 and has been raising money ever since.

Audrey Peel, PDSA Stirling shop manager, said staff and volunteers were planning to mark the occasion with a birthday cake.

Customers were also invited to join in the celebrations by enjoying a range of discounts and offers available on pre-loved items in store.

She added: "We’re all really proud to work for PDSA and it’s a fantastic milestone for the shop.

"Obviously the world has changed massively since 1982, but the commitment to the cause and our passion and drive to raise money for sick and injured pets is as strong now as it was then.

"We have fantastic customers who regularly pop in and support us, some of whom have been coming here right from the beginning.

"So it will be nice to celebrate the shop’s birthday with them and remember some of the good old days."

PDSA is one of the UK's leading veterinary charities, founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin CBE.

One special face who was due to attend the celebration in Stirling was volunteer Ann Christiansen, who will mark 35 years of helping out at the shop in June next year.

Ann said: "I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years and volunteering at PDSA has been an important part of my life.

"They have helped me develop my confidence and brought out skills I didn’t even know I had.

"Things have changed a lot since I started, but I still love it. I volunteer one day a week now and will help out for as long as I am able to."

Darren Irwin, head of retail at PDSA, said: "I am absolutely delighted to be able to share in Stirling’s celebrations and take this opportunity to look back over the years; the styles that have changed, the items we sell and customers we serve. "Yet, amidst so much change, the hard work and dedication of our team and the local community has been unceasing.

"I am so grateful to everyone who has so kindly supported our Stirling shop over the past 35 years, it has helped fund the vital care we provide to pets across Scotland. We’re all looking forward to the next 35 years."

Stirling is one of 21 PDSA charity shops across Scotland and raises money for PDSA services across the country, including the two pet hospitals in Glasgow as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen.

PDSA Stirling shop is always looking for new volunteers to welcome to the team.

To learn more about how you can help, please call the shop on 01786 478150.