THE streets of Worcester will be going mad this weekend, when different organisations do their bit for Make a Difference Day (MADD).

Giving blood and helping improve the environment are just some of the ways in which kind-hearted folk will be giving a few hours of their time.

Many organisations and individuals in Worcestershire are supporting MADD 2001 with a wide range of fun and creative activities.

The aim of MADD is to inspire people to role up their sleeves for the day, get involved in volunteering and give something back to the community.

The national day, which is now in its sixth year, is organised by Community Service Volunteers, a UK volunteer charity.

"It's going from strength to strength," said Donna Lightbown, a spokeswoman for CSV.

"Its not too late for people to get involved.

"If they haven't got the energy and resources to organise the activities themselves they can bag up their old clothes and take it to a charity shop or help an elderly neighbour."

Barclays Bank, in High Street, Worcester, is just one of the organisations making a difference on national Make a Difference Day tomorrow.

For the past three weeks staff have been donating blood and will continue to do so.

"We've had 58 pints given so far and will continue until we've given 150 pints," said Pamela Smith, area retail manager for Barclays.

"We decided to do it in light of the September 11 disaster and wanted to give something back to the community."

The National Blood Service is opening up its units all over the country and will be coming to Worcester's Lyppard Grange Community Centre on between 2pm and 6.45pm.

Last year, more than 25,000 volunteers of all ages, abilities, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds took part in MADD projects by painting murals, cleaning up beaches, reading with children, building bird boxes and knitting children's clothes.

The event is supported by a range of celebrities including Davina McCall and Ant and Dec, as well as Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"The whole idea of having this day is that it allows people to have the experience of volunteering, a taster without allowing them to give up much of their time," added Miss Lightbown.

"You can make a difference whether it's small or large."

For further information call MADD freephone hotline on 0800 284 533.