VOLUNTEERS are providing millions of pounds worth of work to aid Darlington's economy, according to a report.

More than 7,200 people are giving up their time for 520 voluntary groups - 300 more than believed - in the town.

Their time and work is worth between £12m and £50m to the town, according to the report by Durham University.

Darlington Council for Voluntary Service commissioned the report, which has been reported to Darlington Partnership Board.

It revealed:

* the voluntary sector supports 1,000 full and part-time jobs - worth £20m a year

* 1.1 million voluntary hours are equivalent to another 600 full-time jobs - worth at least £12m

* the groups are a mix of independent or local groups and branches of national charities

* groups raise their own funds and also rely on external sources of funding

* more than £1.2m-worth of grants is awarded a year

* almost half the organisations have not secured funding for 2007-2008

* staff and volunteers are well trained but have identified extra needs

* a picture of a healthy community and voluntary sector masks a vulnerability because of a lack of stable funding

Kath Smith, director of the education skills programme at St Chad's College, Durham University, said: "This third sector makes a vibrant contribution to the economy of Darlington and helps keep people healthy, happy and occupied.

"Something should be put in place to help them survive, grow and develop."

Partnership chairman Alasdair MacConachie said: "This really is an excellent piece of work.

"It has been an invaluable exercise, reviewing this sector in Darlington."

Acting chief executive of Darlington CVS Karen Grundy said: "This has demonstrated that there are a lot of groups out there we didn't know about and this will allow us to reassess how we work with them in the future."

Alan Coultas, of charity First Stop, said securing funding was becoming more difficult.

He said: "This report will help guide us in the future and is something to build on."

For information about volunteering, contact Darlington Council for Voluntary Service on 01325-266888.