A COMMUNITY group is celebrating after receiving an award for its services to volunteering.

East Durham Trust, a charity based in Peterlee, has won a National Quality Award, from the National Council for Volunteering Organisations (NCVO).

The trust has managed the local volunteer centre since 2007 and has placed hundreds of local people into placements ranging from assisting in charity shops to coaching sports teams and befriending the elderly to making up food parcels.

As part of the volunteering brokerage service the trust also works exclusively with other local groups in finding volunteers to support their needs and carries out the vital additional services such as carrying out police checks where necessary.

Chief executive Malcolm Fallow said he was delighted with the award.

He said: “The receipt of this recognition is down to the hard work of staff and of course the continued community spirit in East Durham that ensures people keep coming forward for the good of others.”

Anyone interested in any aspect of volunteering should contact the trust 0191-569-3511.