VOLUNTEERS are taking to the road to ensure their message is heard at shows, fetes and other community events.

The team at Volunteering Hambleton have taken delivery of a second-hand caravan to use as a mobile centre top travel around the district.

It will be used to promote the range of opportunities available for volunteers across the area and has been made possible by a grant from the district council.

The caravan has been named Charlie and has been re-painted by community volunteer Dave Jones using facilities provided by Ray Wilson Accident Repair Centre in Northallerton.

Charlie made his first appearance at the North Yorkshire County Show last weekend and will be out again this coming Sunday at the Northallerton Homegrown Food Festival.

Volunteering Hambleton’s co-ordinator Lizzie Clapham said: “Charlie will be a mobile base from where we can offer support and advice to individuals, organisations and businesses thinking about volunteering in the area.”

The organisation offers a range of advice and support services to organisations, from help with the development and promotion of volunteering and opportunities, to delivery of training and information designed to develop good practice in all areas of an organisation’s volunteer recruitment, support and management.