HELP is at hand for local voluntary and community groups in the Ribble Valley looking for information and advice on developing projects and running activities.

Throughout May the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Council for Voluntary Service, a registered charity and lottery-funded organisation which provides support services to local voluntary groups, has organised a series of free drop-in advice sessions across the district.

All the sessions will run between 3.30pm and 7.30pm at Dunsop Bridge village hall on May 9, Bolton-by-Bowland village hall on May 13, Mellor village hall on May 16, St Mary's church hall, Sabden on May 21, and at Whalley Methodist church hall on May 30.

Claire Tindell, the CVS's Ribble Valley development officer, said: "By going out and about in rural areas, CVS can provide information on developing new projects, preparing funding applications and recruiting volunteers right on the group's own doorsteps."

During the sessions, groups will be able to use the Funderfinder computer package which matches potential funders to projects, and the CVS volunteer development officer will be on hand with advice on recruiting and supporting volunteers.

As well as going out and about to several village halls, the CVS office in Swan Mews, Clitheroe will be open between 10am and noon on Saturday May 25 for people to pop in for a coffee and a chat about the work of CVS.

For more details of the village drop in sessions contact the CVS on 01200 422995.