SEVEN theatre volunteers are studying hard for a qualification.

The volunteers from the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, are working towards an NVQ in heritage.

The course is run by York College and funded by the European Social Fund.

Vaughn Curtis, theatre chief executive, said: "We are really indebted to our entire volunteer team of all ages who work in our theatre box office, bar and shop, and as ushers, guides, back stage crew and archivists.

"Now seven people have taken their skills and enthusiasm a stage further to study for an NVQ.

"Both the theatre and the individuals benefit from the group's enhanced and extended skills in guiding and in front-of-house work, and the group are quickly becoming experts in customer care and health and safety."

The candidates are being assessed by John Storry, from Richmond.

Mr Storry has been a guide at the theatre since 2004.

As a former external verifier for City and Guilds, he has volunteered to tutor, assess and support the candidates as they complete their seven units over the next three months.

The assessor said: "I'm delighted to do this because it's fun, extremely useful and the group are such a pleasure to work with."

To coincide with Volunteers' Week 2007, which runs from Friday to June 7, the theatre is appealing for helpers of all ages to assist front-of-house and behind the scenes.

Call 01748-823710 to find out more or visit the Volunteers' Week bus in Richmond market square on Saturday.