PLANS are well-advanced to celebrate Volunteers’ Week in North Yorkshire.

The week – from June 1 to 12 - is an annual event to recognise the contribution volunteers make in their local areas.

And the organisation Volunteering Hambleton is holding a number of special events to mark the occasion.

In Northallerton, on June 1 from 10am to noon, all are invited to join the group at Community House in South Parade to enjoy tea and cake for the launch of the week.

On June 9, thanks to funding from the county’s police and crime commissioner Julia Mulligan, Harrogate and Ripon Voluntary Services are offering local groups free access to training in Northallerton on involving volunteers with a history of offending or homelessness.

Members of Stokesley volunteer centre will be out and about distributing leaflets, encouraging people to join the many volunteers that help in the local community.

Media students from Northallerton College will also be highlighting the work of Hambleton volunteers by making a film to promote the wide variety of opportunities available in the district.

Hambleton’s local volunteer centres offer a range of advice and support services to individuals and organisations.

For more information visit ndvsa.co.uk or contact Lizzie Clapham on 01609-780458 or volunteer.centre@hambletoncommunityaction.org.

For queries about volunteering in the Stokesley area contact Kay Hayward on 01642-710085 or volunteercentre@stokesleycca.org.uk.