A COUNCIL is saying thank you to over 6,000 people who give up their time and expertise to help others.

North Yorkshire county council is recognising the many volunteers who work with community organisations, social enterprises and as individuals to help deliver extended services across the county as part of volunteers week from June 1 to 7. They're also appealing for nominations for their community awards scheme which will honour individual volunteers and organisations.

Volunteer services include the home library group whose members delivered 50,000 books and other items to 14,000 people unable to get into libraries and 98 countryside volunteers who spent 1,322 hours maintaining public rights of way.

Others such as Nick Palmerley, who lives near Northallerton, signed up to be a Ready for Anything volunteer, they go to the aid of people in emergencies. He said: "I wanted to get involved because my parents were very badly flooded in 2000. I saw first-hand the devastation and the immediate help that people need in that situation. That can be anything from reassurance, to cups of tea, blankets and making sure people are safe and know what’s happening."

Chair of the County Council, Cllr Jim Clark,is attending several events over the next week to thank and recognise volunteers. He said: "It will be an honour as one of my first duties as chair to meet and thank just some of the thousands of volunteers who make such a vital contribution to life in the county for so many." Cllr David Chance, Member for Stronger Communities added: " I would like to thank each and every one of our volunteers for their commitment, energy and enthusiasm."

To make a nomination for the community award scheme either for an individual or an organisation across the county go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/communityawards .Nominations close on June 7.