VOLUNTEERS at Preston's INTAG -- Ingol and Tanterton Action Group -- received a bundle of certificates to celebrate National Volunteers Week from June 1 to 8.

The hard-working army of helpers were singled out for praise by staff at the centre, in Kidsgrove, Tanterton, after putting in the hours to help residents in the Tanterton and Ingol areas of the town.

Over the years the volunteers have done their best to offer advice and support to more than 3,000 people in order to make the community drop-in centre a roaring success.

As well as benefit advice the centre offers a range of community-based services including a jobs board, crime prevention advice and help with social issues for families and the elderly.

There is also a drugline service for youths as well as fun events for juniors and toddlers.

Now staff at the centre are calling more volunteers to come forward so they can expand the wealth of services they have to offer.

INTAG co-ordinator Denise Hartley said: "We would love to see some fresh new faces and would urge people to consider volunteering."

But INTAG are not the only organisation to celebrate the national awareness week. On Monday, Preston's mayor and mayoress councillor Alan and Mrs Joan Hackett presented long-service medals to two Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) volunteers.

Refuge

Volunteers Mrs Crook and Mrs Burke received a special thank you from the WRVS after putting in 30-years combined voluntary work.

Preston's Women's Refuge is also holding a special meal tomorrow (Friday) in honour of their volunteers who also received certificates at a formal presentation this week.

And the Sue Ryder Care Centre, in Cuerdon Hall, Bamber Bridge, is sending out a rallying cry for more local support. Fund-raising officer Helen Stansfield said: "We really do have some of the best volunteers around at Cuerden Hall, but we still need more."

But it is not just people who need help and support, sometimes it's animals too, as the volunteers at Preston Cats Protection know only too well.

Last year the charity's helpers successfully found homes for 173 stray or abandoned cats who would probably have died without their help.

And on Saturday, June 9, Preston Guild Volunteer Bureau is calling on people to come along to their Discovery Day in the Guild Hall foyer, Preston, to learn more about volunteering for charitable organisations in the area.

As an umbrella for dozens of voluntary groups the bureau can give people advice about the charities on their books -- which includes St Catherine's Hospice -- and what will be expected of them as a volunteer.

To find out more call Gail Simpson on 884499.