PEOPLE with time to spare are being urged to get stuck in to help the community.

This is National Volunteers Week - and Lancaster and Morecambe residents are being asked to help out where they can.

The week aims to celebrate the work done by the UK's 22 million volunteers. But it also provides a platform to recruit hundreds more people.

Julie Sumner, of Lancashire social services, says: "People of all ages and from all walks of life can help. Volunteering is about taking an active role by putting something in and getting something back."

Lancaster and Wyre MP Hilton Dawson says: "Having worked for social services I am well aware of the value of good volunteers. I have seen for myself the impact that a caring person can make with a few hours of regular commitment."

Help is needed particularly to support adults with disabilities or mental health problems.

Local information days are planned - more information is from the volunteer service helpline on 01257-248118.