FUN and friendship was offered to more than 50 volunteers from across Keighley during a celebration party.

Keighley and District Volunteer Centre hosted the party to say a big “thank you” to people from all walks of life during national Volunteers’ Week.

The 56 people give their valuable time on a regular basis to help many people and organisations in the local area.

The party was the Temple Row Centre, off North Street in Keighley, during Volunteers’ Week, which ran from June 1 to 7.

Keighley and District Volunteer Centre, based on North Street, runs a variety of projects of its own as well as helping provide volunteers for other organisations.

Assistant manager Diane Dale said: “Those attending the party included charity shop volunteers, befrienders, office volunteers and board members.

“The afternoon provided a fantastic opportunity for all our volunteers to mingle and have a bit of fun with games, music and of course some delicious food.

“Keighley and District Volunteer Centre delivers a range of services to vulnerable people from Keighley and surrounding areas and we cannot emphasise just how important these wonderful volunteers are in helping us carry out our work.

“We simply could not do without their time, effort and commitment and we just want them all to know how much we appreciate them all - every day, not just during Volunteers’ Week.”

The Volunteer Centre is always looking for people willing to give their time for a variety of causes.

Keighley and District Volunteer Centre has operated for several decades, and became a registered independent charity in 2001. It provides a range of projects and services in addition to its core work supporting volunteers and organisations that use volunteers.

These include the Helping Hands project, which helps older people in their own homes, by carrying out minor repairs and adaptations such as home security and mobility.

Care LINK is a befriending scheme, in which volunteers provide companionship to other people living on their own.

Supported Volunteering is a support service for adults with a learning disability who want to volunteer in their local community.

Leisure Link is a social and recreational group for adults with learning disabilities, while Groove Train and Take Part groups provide provides music, dance and art activities for adults with learning disabilities.

Boogie Nights is a fortnightly Friday night disco for adults with a learning disability, providing a fun and friendly environment where people can meet friends, grab a bite to eat, and dance.

The Volunteer Centre’s charity shop is called 2nd Time Around, and provides placements for people with learning disabilities.

The Volunteer Centre also acts as a registered body with the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) for local organisations that need to carry out criminal record checks for volunteers working with children and vulnerable adults.

Visit keighleyvc.co.uk or call 01535 609506 for further information on volunteering or any of the projects.