PEOPLE volunteer for many reasons - sometimes altruistic, sometimes personal, but always for a purpose.

Organisations need to understand that purpose in order to attract and retain them.

For some, it's a way of giving back something to a community. For others, it's a way of meeting people or learning new skills.

Whatever the reason, it is heartening to see that 35 people have come forward with offers of help to transform the mothballed Museum of Local Life into a new heritage centre.

Worcester Heritage and Amenity Trust (WHAT) is hoping that the re-opened museum can fill the void left by its closure in April this year.

WHAT member John Bennett had hoped for 100 volunteers, but maintains the centre could be run with less.

There are, of course, further elements to be overcome.

Worcester City Council must give the go-ahead for the revamped museum, after studying the WHAT business plan at a meeting on Tuesday, November 25.

There is also the question of funding. The museum was mothballed due to budget cuts - so for any notion of it re-opening to succeed, external funding must be found.

This succession of hurdles is not insurmountable - given the drive and enthusiasm shown by WHAT members.

They believe their efforts are worthwhile and the Museum of Local Life should, once again, be an integral part of the city's make-up.

We agree - so now it is up to others, whether through volunteering or in some other way, to follow their example.