The Volunteer Centre places people with various voluntary organisations and charities around the region.

Business is booming for Youth Volunteer Officer Jane Robinson and, with more than 300 young people on her books, she has more volunteers than placements for them.

As well as finding place- ments in charity shops, the organisation is involved in the YETI (Youth Environment Team Initiative) scheme in Sedbergh and also the Milnthorpe and Heversham talking parish newsletter.

Mrs Robinson believes that involvement in volunteer work is of great benefit to the young people: "It is a lot of fun and broadens their horizons. They also meet people they wouldn't have met which helps them develop better social skills," she said.