NATIONAL Volunteers Week starts today (Thursday, June 1) and Age Concern St Helens are marking the occasion by thanking the volunteers who have helped to contribute to the care of the people of St Helens for the past 25 years.

A special luncheon this afternoon will be attended by Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Robinson, at the Mansion House, Victoria Park.

Philip Longworth, chief executive of Age Concern St Helens, said: "It seems timely to celebrate 25 years of Age Concern St Helens on this date -- the start of National Volunteer Work, in order to recognise the hours and energy given so freely to the people of St Helens by our volunteers.

"Our volunteers come in many guises -- they are carers first and foremost and they are also trustees, cooks, wheelchair-pushers, drivers, tutors, administrators, escorts, fund-raisers, shop assistants, insurance agents, you name it.

"Without each of them our town would be much poorer. So with a big thank-you for caring so much comes another message. Here's to the next Millennium and to people with a vision for the future, time and energy -- come and join us.