VOLUNTEERS who could spare some time to help out at Worcester YMCA are being urged to come forward.

People who can cook or do gardening are being asked to spare some time to help out at the St John's venue as part of a new volunteer recruitment drive.

The idea will be officially launched, as part of an alliance with Redditch YMCA, at CrownGate Shopping Centre, in Worcester, at the end of January.

Leaflets will be handed out by YMCA staff to passers-by, listing the types of volunteer work available at the two YMCAs.

"A couple of volunteers may want to do gardening and some may want to run up curtains from their homes," said Mel Smith, community co-ordinator at the YMCA.

"The hours will be to suit anybody. For example, someone may want to come here for a couple of hours one night a month and hold a curry evening where they teach residents here how to make curry.

"Perhaps people will want to do general decorating here, or spend a couple of hours working with residents.

"We will write out a list of activities. It's the first time we have done this."

Mrs Smith said staff from Worcester YMCA and Redditch YMCA will be on hand to answer any questions people have about the YMCA itself on the day.

"If anyone wants to come to us who has a talent that we have not thought of we would like to hear from them," she said.

The volunteer recruitment drive will take place by Superdrug Stores at the shopping centre from 9am till 4pm on Saturday, January 25.

For further details about the day, or to volunteer at Worcester YMCA, ring Mrs Smith on 01905 423197.