THE work of people who give up their time to help others has been highlighted during National Volunteers Week.

Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and do a variety of different jobs to benefit both individuals and the community.

Some of those who volunteer, such as Jeffrey Hind from Spennymoor, also hold down full-time jobs.

Mr Hind, 41, turned to volunteering as a way of meeting people and giving something back when he was made redundant after 24 years as a maintenance fitter.

He became a volunteer driver for the Princess Royal Trust Sedgefield Locality Carers' Centre in Newton Aycliffe, transporting people who need hospital or other treatment.

Although he has since found another job, Mr Hind said: "I decided I would stay on the books and they can still use me if they require my services at a specific time."

Health worker Pauline Coglan is another example of someone who volunteers in her spare time, taking an aqua-aerobics class at Shildon swimming pool for people aged 55 and over.

Mrs Coglan, who volunteers for Age Concern Durham County, said: "I am a local person and wanted to give something back to older people in the town. I hope someone will do the same for me one day.

"About volunteering: I'd say people should realise you don't have to volunteer for hours if you don't have the time and have other commitments.

"In just half an hour once a week you can do something that makes a real difference and makes you feel good as well."

Sometimes volunteering can lead to paid work. Vicky Watson, 19, joined Millennium Volunteers, which provides volunteering opportunities for 16 to 25-year-olds, on leaving school and has now gained full-time employment as an outreach worker.

Trevor Todd took voluntary redundancy after 24 years in electrical engineering and started doing voluntary work at the Options Disability Initiative in the Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe.

Now, Mr Todd has gained a short-term post as a paid support worker, working with people who have learning disabilities.

There are many volunteering opportunities available and anyone interested can contact Emma Howitt at the Sedgefield Volunteer Bureau on (01740) 655105