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

The Durham City District Volunteer Bureau, above the Durham Clayport Library, Millennium Place, plans to hold a volunteers fair on Saturday, June 7.

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

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

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

Bureau coordinator 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".

She said: "We hope that we'll get nominations from the charities or friends. We will be giving certificates to those 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 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.

Nationally, more than 22million adults volunteer in a year, doing 90 million hours of unpaid work a week worth £40bn.

Miss Jones 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.

"Please feel free to contact the volunteer bureau on 0191-383 1944 for more information on volunteering opportunities in Durham or to find out more about the volunteers fair."

Any stories or photographs can be sent to the bureau at 7 Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA.