VOLUNTEERS in Chester-le-Street are so proud of their work for the community that they presented the local council with a cheque for nearly £5m - symbolising how much they save taxpayers every year.
The mock cheque for £4.6m was handed to Chester-le-Street District Council leader, Councillor Malcolm Pratt, after totting up the amount of money volunteers would earn if they had been paid.
During a presentation evening at the Market Tavern pub, in Front Street, Maria Hardman,18, who works for Dunhelm Physical Handicap Able Bodied Club, presented the cheque.
The £4.6m was calculated at the average County Durham hourly rate, £9.54.
A spokesman for the National Council for Voluntary Organisations said it was thought up as a way to celebrate National Carers Week.
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