VOLUNTEERS who help deliver Sure Start children’s centre services in Keighley have received official acknowledgement.

The local people celebrated together at a special volunteer event at the Rainbow Children's Centre in Braithwaite.

The volunteers help provide a wide range of services to families across the Keighley area.

This includes: running parent and toddler groups, supporting parents to access early learning opportunities and other family services, and running the book library.

Volunteers who have helped deliver these services received a certificate in acknowledgement of their contribution and enjoyed a lunch together.

The event also looked at how to develop further volunteer opportunities to support local families.

The way in which volunteers have supported children’s centre service in Keighley ties in with the council’s Education Covenant.

The covenant asks communities and neighbourhoods to play their part in helping the development and wellbeing of young people.

Julie Greene, the manager of Early Childhood Services , said said the event had been a great way of celebrating the volunteers.

She said: “The contribution they make is enormous and we really value what they do. Volunteering can be a great way for people to develop skills and confidence.

“Some of our volunteers have gone onto further training, including one volunteer undertaking a degree in social work, and others have gained employment as teaching assistants and childcare professionals.”

Julie said Early Childhood Services would like to recruit more volunteers.

She said: “It does not matter how much or how little time you are able to give; from one hour to five days a week, please contact us is you want to find out more.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s executive member for education, skills and culture, said she wanted to thank all those who had volunteered to help deliver the early years services.

She said: “The Bradford Education Covenant is about everyone in Bradford playing their part in ensuring that our young people achieve their best in life.

“These volunteers are a great example of how people are already taking up that challenge and doing their bit for the children of Bradford. It's really impressive."

Anyone who would like to become a volunteer learn new skills, gain training, help others and support their local community, should contact Theresa Deighton Power on 01535 618005 for more information.