LOCAL people are being urged to get into the volunteering habit next week by getting on a big red bus.

An adapted double-decker bus will be in the Thirsk area to promote the benefits of becoming a volunteer.

To celebrate the Year of the Volunteer, Thirsk and Sowerby Volunteer Bureau has hired the bus for two days to find more recruits.

The bureau, which is part of the Thirsk Community Care Association, promotes volunteering for all, and helps people find voluntary opportunities.

Co-ordinator Sue Lee said: "The bureau has 103 opportunities registered at the moment, covering 72 volunteer-using groups. That covers all manner of skills, from animals and outdoor activities to education and drug addiction.

"We are looking for anyone with some spare time on their hands to get involved.

"It does not matter if it is only an hour a month, it is all valuable to us. An hour a week is as good as five hours -every bit helps.

"Anyone can be a volunteer, we all have something special to offer. Whatever your age or skills, we need your help.

"We want people to come along and see what we do.

"They will not be pressurised into signing up as a volunteer; if they do not want to get involved, that is fine. But we also hope lots of people will see the advantages of joining us. It is a great way of getting back into work and very useful on their CVs."

On Friday, June 10, the bus will visit the Dog and Gun, Knayton, from 10.30am to noon; Thirsk School's bus park from 1pm to 2pm and the Angel, Topcliffe, from 2.45pm to 4pm. The following day, it will be in Thirsk market place from 9am to 4pm.