Darlington'S Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is launching a drive for volunteers as it celebrates Volunteers' Week 2003, which starts today.

The bureau is holding a thank-you party for its volunteers on Thursday, while it hopes to recruit more people to help run its office.

CAB manager David Garton said: "Darlington CAB is run by local people for local people and we are always looking for more volunteers, regardless of background, to join the team.

"You can train as a generalist adviser, but we are always in need of people with IT skills, administration skills, or PR and fundraising experience.

"We are especially keen to hear from people with ethnic community language skills.

"Many people feel that they really gain from the experience of volunteering and volunteers are the lifeblood of our service; there would be no CAB without them."

The CAB Certificate in Generalist Advice Work gives volunteers the skills necessary to provide appropriate advice on any subject.

The trainee's progress is reviewed and monitored and they are supported all the way through the training.

Formal qualifications are not necessary and many find the accredited training and experience can help them find a way into work.

Sarah Surman, who has been volunteering at CAB for 14 months, said: "It is a satisfying and serious job, but volunteering gives me more flexibility than if I was a paid worker.

"It took me eight months to train, and now I spend two days a week giving advice, which fits in around my work and family commitments."

To volunteer, call (08451) 264264 during office hours.