A GRANT of £4,000 is to fund events for volunteers in the Chester-le-Street area.

Chester-le-Street and District Council for Voluntary Service and Volunteer Bureau has been awarded the money to provide regular get-togethers where people can meet other volunteers, share experiences and be kept up-to-date with news which might affect them.

The money, from national volunteering charity TimeBank, will enable the group to stage three events. Over the next few months there will be a Christmas party, a social event for the elderly and an event in February where there will be information and demonstrations on healthy living.

Melanie White, volunteer bureau co-ordinator said: "This money will make a huge difference to the quality of the volunteering experience for local volunteers, including both those who are already actively engaged and people who may be thinking about becoming a volunteer."

For more details on volunteering, call 0191-389 2947.