VOLUNTARY groups are gearing up for a series of events in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, to mark National Volunteers Week.

First, about 70 local charities, voluntary and community groups have been offered a stall at the town's first Charity Fair, to be held in Chester-le-Street Market Place on Thursday, May 31. There will be family entertainment and demonstrations during the day, which will be followed by a week-long exhibition in Chester-le-Street Library with displays staged by local organisations.