A NEW organisation for volunteers plans to sing the praises of Durham's unsung heroes and their good work.

The new Durham City District Volunteer Bureau, above Durham Clayport Library, plans to hold a volunteers' fair on June 7.

The event, which coincides with Volunteers' Week, will celebrate the unpaid work people do for charities and organisations in the community.

And the bureau hopes to award certificates to volunteers nominated for their dedication, determination in overcoming adversity to volunteer or long service.

The bureau, which puts volunteers in touch with organisations that need them, has replaced a county-wide bureau, based at Framwellgate Moor.

Bureau co-ordinator Rhianne Jones said that the volunteer fair would be an opportunity for organisations to recognise and reward the invaluable work done by volunteers and hopefully inspire a new generation of time-givers.

"We hope that we'll get nominations from the charities or friends. We will be giving certificates to people who have given maybe 30 years service or have had to overcome some kind of barrier to do voluntary work.''

The event, from 10am to 3pm, will feature displays by voluntary organisations and family entertainment including local bands, dancing groups, face painting and art and pottery sessions.

The bureau currently has about 80 organisations in the Durham area on its books but hopes more will sign up. It aims to match would-be volunteers with the right volunteering opportunity and give them help and support in their new roles.

Rhianne is appealing to current or former volunteers to come forward with stories, photographs or nominations of other volunteers.

"If you are new to volunteering and think it is about time you gave something back to your local community, Volunteers' Week is a perfect time to try something new."

For more information call the bureau on (0191) 383 1944. Any stories or photographs should be sent to the bureau at 7 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA.