A MASSIVE recruitment drive for volunteers takes place in East Lancashire as part of a celebration of the work they do.

Hundreds of new recruits are expected to sign up during Volunteer Week, starting Sunday.

The week's theme is "Recognise, Reward and Recruit" and around 364 groups from North West are getting involved.

In a major 'thankyou,' coffee mornings and church services will be held to reward volunteers for their dedication and commitment.

Among the events taking place in East Lancashire is a big brew-up at a Tesco, Cavour Street, Burnley.

Volunteers from DARE Integrated Arts will be making cups of tea at the superstore on June 7.

In Blackburn the Council for Voluntary Service will be holding a party to celebrate the hard work of recruits at Blackburn Town Hall on June 6.

More than 20 events are being organised in East Lancashire by organisations such as Age Concern Hyndburn, Burnley Barnados, Ribble Valley Volunteer Bureau and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers in Colne.

It is estimated that more than 23 million adults volunteer every year in the UK, getting involved in activities ranging from caring for people in need to protecting the environment and running children's clubs.

Anyone wanting to join should contact the national volunteer helpline on 0345 221133.

Service with a smile: See FEATURES

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