VOLUNTEERS at a charity shop in Woodbridge are quite accustomed to handling standard donations of clothes and bric-a-brac.

Simon Tomlinson

VOLUNTEERS at a charity shop in Woodbridge are quite accustomed to handling standard donations of clothes and bric-a-brac.

But when a black bag left in the shop began to rustle and squeak, they were rather taken aback.

Approaching with caution, the staff at the Oxfam shop in Thoroughfare were amazed to find two healthy guinea pigs.

The pair - one speckled grey, the other with brindle fur - were inside a cage with food and water.

They were quickly named Ox and Fam after the charity and it wasn't long before they found a new home with a member of staff at the neighbouring book shop, Browsers.

Kristy Rodgers' family has a history of rescuing animals and the 19-year-old was able to provide them with a hutch and plenty of love and care.

Helen Forbes, manager of the Oxfam store, said: “The volunteers are not usually phased by the items the public generously give to them, but please note - we do not accept livestock! For information on what the shop does accept, please ring 01394 386358.”