CELEBRATIONS were held at the Emmaus shop in Nailsworth today to mark 10 years of dedicated volunteering by a former Ruskin Mill student.

Andrew Blandford, 30, has been at the shop since July 12, 2007.

"I was the last Ruskin Mill student at the previous shop before we moved to this premises," Andrew said.

"I’ve seen it grow and develop over the years, I’ve survived five managers, I’m really grateful for what Emmaus has done.

"It’s given me so much self-confidence, I came from London and it gave me an opportunity for me to stay in the area, so I came on board as part of the volunteer side of it all and it’s been great."

Andrew has volunteered at the shop for 10 years, longer than any full-time members of staff.

He used to be extremely shy due to his autism but by working at the charity it has helped him to overcome difficulties he once had.

Judy Wheeler, the store manager, said: "He was quite shy when he first started but we realised he was going to be extremely capable, and gradually we realised he had this amazing brain."

To celebrate this achievement, the staff had tea and cake at the shop plus a visit from the CEO of Emmaus Addie Stevenson.

Addie is very proud of Andrew for everything he’s done over the years, saying: "He’s our longest serving volunteer ever, hopefully he’ll stay for another 10 years!

"He’s seen off two chief executives, five managers and Andrew has stayed on beyond, so isn’t that just wonderful!"

On Facebook a member of staff posted a picture of Andrew and said "This is an amazing achievement having joined us from Ruskin Mill when he was 20 years of age. Thank you Andrew you are epic, awesome and a legend!!"

The appreciation didn't just come from Nailsworth, Ade Blair, who works at the Emmaus store in Stroud, said: "Congratulations Andrew Blandford on a decade of service.

"The Nailsworth shop would not be the same without you."