13 volunteers competed with each other to see who could raise the most cash for two charity shops in Surrey in an “Apprentice style challenge” this month.

Two teams of volunteers from DHL Express were recruited to work the Princess Alice Hospice shops in Weybridge and Shepperton.

The challenge was to increase takings for the day and beat the other team’s efforts.

Volunteering at the Weybridge shop, Harry Tugwood turned up a huge collection of classic vinyl LPs and singles dating from the 1950s to today.

The 33s and 45s, ranging from Mario Lanza to Queen, had been collected over several decades by his grandmother, who lived next door to a record shop and built up a collection.

Customers at the Weybridge shop were also tempted by a raffle to win a signed Harlequins rugby shirt donated by DHL Express.

Over at the Shepperton shop, the other team sorted donations, prepared clothes for sale, priced goods and offered face painting to raise further funds.

Winners will be announced once the takings have been added up and compared with the same period last year.

Keith Sturge, who took part in the challenge, said: “Everyone had a fantastic day. It was hard work but lots of fun and we’re so pleased to help the Hospice via this event.”

Cherie Noy, hospice retail operations deputy director, said: “Income from our 47 shops is incredibly important to Princess Alice Hospice.

“Without the generosity of customers and volunteers, maintaining our services would be impossible.

“We’re deeply grateful to DHL Express for choosing to support the hospice in so many ways and with such enthusiasm.”