A COUNCIL is to set aside nearly £8,000 to support the voluntary efforts of local people as part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has decided not to embark upon a programme of special events to mark the Jubilee but will instead set aside £5,000 from this year's budget and donate the £2,800 left over from its Millennium fund to give to voluntary workers in the local community.

It is estimated that around £200 will be given to each ward member, with additional funds going to those who represent more than one area, to dish out to people in their local communities.

The chairman of the borough council's policy and finance committee Coun Peter Redpath said: "This money will go to support the voluntary efforts throughout the borough.

"The council as a whole does not have a programme of specific Jubilee celebrations, but if this cash is left to local organisations, even a small amount of financial assistance would not go amiss."

Clitheroe councillor Howel Jones added: "This money is a kick start and can give some encouragement to parish councils and their residents."