A BUILDING society is encouraging its workers to help charities by giving them one paid day per year to volunteer.

Darlington Building Society’s Marc Gillham was a volunteer at Oxfam before he joined the firm as a marketing assistant and has continued to give up his time for the cause.

He will help out at the Darlington Festival of Thrift at Lingfield Point on September 27 and 28.

Michael Ridsdale, manager at Oxfam Durham, said: “We rely heavily on volunteers to keep our shops up and running.

“We are grateful to businesses, such as Darlington Building Society, which actively encourage employees to volunteer and Marc is a brilliant example of someone who has gained experience and built on it.”

Mr Gillham said: “Volunteering at Oxfam has provided me with some key skills which apply to everyday working life.

“I am very grateful to work for an organisation that encourages me to support local charities and gain more work experience by volunteering.”