North Norfolk's volunteer centre at Cromer has dealt with more than 100 potential helpers in its first six months.

People who visit or contact the centre at Merchants' Place can discuss their interests and ambitions and explore a wide range of potentially suitable volunteering opportunities across the district.

These may include befriending and supporting isolated and elderly people, youth work, sports, arts and health activities and involvement with local and regional charity groups.

One recent visitor to the centre Phil Busby from Sheringham was helped to find voluntary work as helper and receptionist for the Norfolk Community Law Service at their surgery, also in Merchants' Place.

'It's great to be able to play a part in helping people and making a difference in their lives,' he said.

'I'm really enjoying the company as well, so I'd thoroughly recommend volunteering!'

Centre co-ordinator Jonny Wood said it was important people went for something they would find fulfilling.

'Volunteering can be one of the best ways to enjoy yourself whilst making a positive difference in your local community,' he added.

Centre staff have been delighted by the keenness shown by local people and it was to tap into this enthusiasm to help others that Voluntary Norfolk opened its Cromer centre last summer.

Having established itself in the town, the North Norfolk Volunteer Centre is planning to go on the road around the district in the coming months, helping to reinforce the message that volunteers and volunteering can change lives and make a real difference to whole communities.

'We've always known that North Norfolk has a strong and vibrant voluntary and community sector, so it's gratifying to see the numbers of people who want to get involved,' said Mr Wood.

The centre is equally keen to hear from organisations across North Norfolk needing their skills and enthusiasm. Contact Mr Wood at Merchants' Place, by phone on 01263 510701 or at northnorfolkvc@voluntarynorfolk.org.uk