Express your gratitude to those who give their time and energy for free on the 40th anniversary of Volunteers Week.

Worcestershire County Council are tipping their hats to the people making a difference in their communities, as this year’s weeklong celebration begins on Monday (June 3).

Since it began, the week, always beginning on the first Monday in June, is an opportunity to celebrate, recognise and thank the UK's volunteers for their contribution to their communities and society as a whole.

Over 6,000 volunteers serve in a range of roles within the council.

This includes roles in areas such as libraries, museums, archaeology, countryside, health champions and the coroner's service, plus volunteers that support consultation and engagement activity.

Hannah Perrott, assistant director for communities at the council, said: "Volunteers in Worcestershire are vital across both the statutory and voluntary sector, it is important to mark this annual national campaign to reflect on the significant contribution that volunteers make in our county."

Residents across the county interested in volunteering can find opportunities on the council’s website or via the Volunteer Centres spread across Worcestershire.

The centres are operated by charities in the area that support a variety of voluntary and community activities.

Further details can be found on the Worcestershire Community Action Network websites (https://we-can.today/).