COMMUNITY leaders have been making a difference by going back to the floor as volunteers.

Mervyn Brookes, manager of the Droitwich Volunteer Bureau, challenged local leaders to become a volunteer as part of the Make a Difference Day Project.

The acting chief executive of Hereford & Worcester Ambulance Service, Linda Millichamp, became an ambulance voluntary car service driver for the morning.

The service has more than 70 volunteer drivers who take people to and from outpatient appointments.

Mrs Millichamp drove a patient from Kempsey to and from her appointment at Castle Street Hospital in Worcester.

"I can now certainly better appreciate some of the difficulties they encounter, particularly where safe and appropriate parking is non existent," she said.

"However, the reward of meeting such very pleasant people, as I did, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have been of practical help, makes the work so worthwhile."

Jenny Maturi, North Claines parish council's clerk, worked with the meals-on-wheels service delivering food to the elderly.

"I think this is a really good idea to raise the profile of volunteering," she said.

Roger Painter, head of learning disabilities, helped service users at the Snax on Trax Buffet at Droitwich railway station.

"This is a good project because it enables people with learning difficulties to give something to the public, not just being the recipients of services," said Mr Painter.

The Avoncroft Museum of Buildings had another volunteer tour guide when Tim Porter, head of cultural services, joined them.

"We rely on volunteers to run our services," Mr Porter said. "It was very useful for me to have a look behind the scenes."

Chairman of the West Mercia Probation Service, Tricia Bradbury, gave a talk to volunteer mentors.

"I was most impressed with the people I met giving up their free time to do volunteering work," said Mrs Bradbury.

"Most of these people lead very busy lives but are prepared to give up their time to work with young people with difficulties."

Wychavon district councillor Margaret Rowley volunteered for extra work on the Droitwich Canal Trust Project.

She joined the voluntary members of the Saturday crew helping to clear the tow-path, which had been left unattended because of foot-and-mouth.

"As chairman of the Droitwich Canal Trust I don't often get my hands dirty and so this will set a good example," she said.

Anyone wanting to volunteer for charitable organisations can contact the Droitwich Volunteer Bureau on 01905 795613 or look at the website www.droitwich vb.care4free.net