A GRANT for several thousand pounds will fund events for volunteers in the Chester-le-Street area.

Chester-le-Street and District Council for Voluntary Service and Volunteer Bureau have been awarded £4,000 to provide regular get-togethers where people can meet other local volunteers, share experiences and be kept up to date with news that may affect them.

The money, from national volunteering charity TimeBank, will enable the group to stage three events.

Over the next few months there will be a Christmas party, a social event for the elderly which can be organised by volunteers and an event in February where there will be information and demonstrations on alternative therapies and healthy living.

Melanie White, volunteer bureau co-ordinator said: "This money will make a huge difference to the quality of the volunteering experience for local volunteers, including both those who are already actively engaged and people who may be thinking about becoming a volunteer for the first time."

For more information on volunteering contact Melanie White on (0191) 389 2947.