DUE TO it's increasing popularity, Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre are looking for more volunteers to join their team.

Opportunities have arisen in several areas based in the centre, including community car scheme, meals on

wheels and volunteer bureau.

The Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre aims to promote local economic diversification and support community efforts to become more vibrant and enterprising.

It is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers.

Visitors to the centre have access to information communication technology, tourism information and advice, community support services, and secretarial services.

Within the centre there is a coffee shop, internet cafe and Oriel Gallery displaying the art work of local people.

Manager of the Volunteer Bureau, Kerry Crosfield said, " We currently have 60 volunteers ranging from 16-years-old to 85-years-old. Although 60 sounds a lot they are not all here at the same time and when you need them on a particular day it's a struggle.

"Most of the volunteers are in their 70s and 80s, they're getting older and we need to replenish.

Young people are welcome because they can it on their UCAS forms and some embark on the Millennium Volunteers."

An organisation that has benefited from volunteers is Tools for Self Reliance but they too are looking for more volunteers to help them in their workshops and the sewing machine workshop.

Tony Care of Tools for Self Reliance said, "People can come along to learn about tools, the sorting of the tools, cleaning and making tools, there are jobs that suit everybody."

Retired head of sixth form at Crickhowell High School, Jackie Pickard, 61 volunteers at the coffee shop within the centre, she said, "I have been volunteering here for two years, it's nice to meet people and get to know what goes on in the community. I feel I can give something back to the community in a different way to when I was teaching and because I know a lot from the school I can let other knows what's going on there too, so it works both ways."

Whereas Jackie was helping the community after retiring, Hannah Post, 27, is using the facility to help with her career.

Hannah has been helping the centres finance officer, John Thomas, while she does an accounting course. She said, "I have been shadowing the finance offer because I am doing an accounting course so I am getting works experience while learning the ropes. I have been here for three months and work with a good friendly team. Even when I qualify I am still going to volunteer here."

If you enjoy meeting people and can offer a few hours a week of your time contact Kerry Crosfield (01873) 812177.