MORE than a hundred unsung heroes who dedicate their spare time to helping others celebrated the Year of the Volunteer with a party.

The Volunteer Centre, Teesdale and Wear Valley, threw a party, called That Was The Year of the Volunteer, That Was, at Bishop Auckland Rugby Club, to look back on 2005 and thank local volunteers.

The invited guests enjoyed a disco, pie and pea supper and music from local band Death Pigeon.

While looking back on last year, the night also provided volunteers with the chance to discuss how they can contribute this year.

Kirsty Hill of 2D, which supports the Volunteer Centre, said: "The overall aim of the Year of the Volunteer was to promote voluntary organisations, recruit volunteers and recognise and celebrate existing volunteers and their stories."

She added that volunteering can have a positive effect on people's health, spending time with family and friends, provide confidence for a new career and even improve their sex lives.

Anybody interested in becoming a volunteer, or improving their prospects through training, can contact Lindsay Wright at 2D on (01388) 762220.