DEDICATED volunteers have devoted more than 3,800 hours to supporting arts and culture in Darlington this year alone.

During 2017, the 60 members of the Darlington Culture Volunteers (DCV) gave up their time to lend a helping hand with a number of projects.

They have supported the recently revamped Darlington Hippodrome, helped to coordinate the annual Darlington Arts Festival and have assisted in organising and running a variety of local arts events.

The 3,800 hours they will have given by the end of the year is the highest ever figure recorded by the organisation, which is now run through a partnership between Darlington for Culture and the Hippodrome.

Prior to this year, the volunteer force was run solely by DfC and racked up 3,500 hours in 2016.

As the team appealed for more volunteers to join them, DfC chairman Jo Potter said: “This impressive number of volunteer hours is evidence of the need for volunteers to support the arts and cultural activities in our town and borough.”

DCV volunteer coordinator Heather Carter added: “We have the most marvellous team of volunteers who are very committed to supporting the arts in Darlington.

“Our volunteers start at 16 years with no upper age limit. You can volunteer for as many or as few hours as you like, all we require is your enthusiasm to encourage the public to engage with local arts and cultural events.”

For more information, visit darlingtonculturevolunteers.co.uk