East Anglia's Children's Hospices' (EACH) eBay store has made £43,000 since its launch in March last year.

Such is its popularity, the charity is now seeking volunteers to help assist processing the sales to help the site continue to grow.

In a recent online auction £8,000 was raised from more than 100 items of clothing worn by Suffolk singing star and EACH ambassador Ed Sheeran.

The charity, which cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and supports their families, had put its online success down to their eBay manager Jason High.

He has been assisted at the charity's retail distribution centre in Thetford by Patricia LeBlanc over the past few months. Mrs LeBlanc, 53, moved from Mississippi to Mundford around 18 months ago.

She adopted a child with special needs – Genevieve who is now 24 – and is familiar with the aims and values of EACH.

She said: 'A lot of people don't realise what kind of support families with a special needs child require. Many families don't sign up for a child with special needs and they need the resources that EACH has.'

In order to run its vital services, EACH needs to raise almost £6 million every year. Retail is a lucrative income stream and is expected to bring in around £2.5 million.

The charity is looking for eBay assistants who can offer three to four hours of their time per-week between 9am and 5pm on a weekday.

Some of Mrs LeBlanc's duties include helping to decide what she go to the online store and what should be sent to EACH's 21 shops.

She added: 'I love it. Everyone here is wonderful to work for and assist. Volunteering helps you to get to know your community and support it, plus it allows you to maintain certain skills.'

For more information contact Jason High on 01842 821620 or email jason.high@each.org.uk

EACH's eBay store can be found at www.stores.ebay.co.uk/East-Anglias-Childrens-Hospices?_rdc=1